Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told the club’s official website that he would not like it if Oleksandr Zinchenko lost the ball and the opposition scored.
While Arteta has been hugely impressed by how Zinchenko has done for Arsenal so far this season, the manager has made it clear that he does not want the Ukraine international to lose possession away from his position and allow the opposition to score.
The 26-year-old joined Arsenal from Premier League rivals Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for £30 million (Sky Sports).
The Ukraine international starts at left-back, but he often drifts into midfield.
The former City star is one of the biggest reasons why Arsenal’s play is so intricate and fascinating to watch.
However, Arteta has warned Zinchenko not to lose possession of the ball when he is out of his usual left-back position.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko
Arteta said about Zinchenko: “He can and he adapts to certain positions in the field in a great way. Sometimes he occupies those spaces, so we will see.
“Sometimes teams pose you questions and you need Alex in certain positions – he can play wider and higher up the pitch as well, so he is comfortable there. It’s good to have that versatility with players.”
The Arsenal boss added: “If he gives the ball away and they have a counter-attack and they score, I would be really upset!
“But like every manager, he puts a great ball in, Bukayo is inside and he scores, happy flowers! We are all happy.
“He has the freedom to move in certain spaces like he does and the action where he receives the ball, especially in certain games where we face a certain block.
“But at the same time, we require a certain discipline in positions to do what you have to do.”
No need to worry
In our view, Arsenal fans need not worry about Oleksandr Zinchenko losing possession of the ball.
Now, of course, the Ukrainian is going to lose the ball on occasions in matches.
All players do.
The key is recovering the ball or at least making the best attempt to do so.
That is hugely important for any football team these days, especially for a side like Arsenal who like to press high and move the ball quickly in transition.
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