Martin Odegaard has backed Jakub Kiwior to get ‘better and better’ following his debut for Arsenal. The defender had his first outing at Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League last 16.
Chances to feature under Mikel Arteta have proven scarce since Kiwior joined Arsenal back in January for £20m. The 23-year-old has watched seven of the club’s eight Premier League games since leaving Spezia on the bench. He did not make the team at Fulham on Sunday.
Arteta also named Kiwior as just an unused substitute as Arsenal lost at Manchester City in the FA Cup. While his debut in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 draw at Sporting Lisbon lasted 71 minutes. Arteta brought Gabriel Magalhaes on to replace the Poland star.
Arteta should recall Kiwior to the Arsenal XI vs Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League
Kiwior has endured a slow start to his time at Arsenal with Gabriel and William Saliba their undisputed centre-back pairing. But Arteta sought to afford the nine-cap international his bow in Europe and should again hand the Tychy-born gem minutes during the second leg.
Sporting Lisbon visit Arsenal for the reverse meeting of their Europa League last 16 tie this Thursday. Saliba (22’) scored in the first leg before Goncalo Inacio (34’) and Paulinho (55’) flipped the scoreline. But an own goal from Hidemasa Morita (62’) ensured it finished 2-2.
Arteta omitted Kiwior from Arsenal’s squad at Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday for Gabriel Jesus to return. The centre-half had played 17 games in Serie A for Spezia earlier in the season before moving to north London. His efforts convinced Arteta to seal a transfer.
Kiwior has left a positive impression on Gunners captain Odegaard in training
While Kiwior has so far only featured once for Arsenal since, his efforts in training have left a positive impression on Odegaard. The Gunners captain has now praised the Poland talent in the Arsenal matchday programme ahead of facing Sporting Lisbon at Emirates Stadium.
“It was great for him to get his first minutes with us because he’s been training really well since he joined,” Odegaard said. “So, for him to play his first game from the start, in a big occasion like that, was a great opportunity for him and you could see his qualities.
“I’m sure he will just get better and better now, especially when he understands more of what we’re doing, builds those relationships on the pitch with the rest of the team and develops the language, too.”
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