Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has been hailed by former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong.
If you knew that Frimpong and Zinchenko had some history together, fair play.
Frimpong was backed for a big future at Arsenal but, after loan spells at Wolves, Charlton Athletic and Fulham, he left the Gunners.
After a brief spell at Barnsley, Frimpong headed off to Russia with Ufa – and that’s where he crossed paths with Zinchenko.
The Ukrainian ace joined Ufa from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015, spending one year with Frimpong before heading to Manchester City.
The pair played eight games together, winning just one whilst drawing two and losing five.
Their careers have gone on different paths since then and Zinchenko is now starring for Frimpong’s beloved Arsenal.
Emmanuel Frimpong praises Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko has made a huge difference for Arsenal since arriving from Manchester City over the summer.
The expected competition with Kieran Tierney at left back hasn’t really been a battle; Zinchenko is clearly Mikel Arteta’s first choice.
Zinchenko’s ability on the ball has been vital for Arsenal but it’s his character that has been the biggest benefit.
Zinchenko has been an outstanding leader and his quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Arsenal.
That mentality may well have developed in the Manchester City setup but Frimpong saw great signs from him back in 2015.
Frimpong has told The Athletic that Zinchenko was ’so motivated’ back at Ufa, staying out after training to try and improve as he ‘breathes football’.
Frimpong added that Zinchenko was always asking about Arsenal during their time together at Ufa and is now living out his dream by playing for the Gunners.
“I remember when training had finished sometimes and, while the rest of us went inside, he would stay out, working on his technique, his passing,” said Frimpong. “He breathes football. He was always so motivated. And he has a very supportive family, especially his mum (Irina). She has to take a lot of credit. When he moved to Russia, his mum moved over with him and was always with him.”
“He used to ask me a lot about Arsenal. He would say, ‘You used to play with Robin van Persie? Wow! I can’t believe you played with Van Persie — that’s so crazy’. We’d carry on talking. ‘And Wenger was your coach? Oh my God!’ He’d call over a friend: ‘I can’t believe this guy played for Arsenal’. It was always about Arsenal, no other teams. What he is doing now is what he used to dream about,” he added.
Zinchenko will now go up against his former club tonight as Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
A win would take Arsenal one step closer to the Premier League title – and Zinchenko would surely love to get one over on his old employers.
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