Armand Traore has praised Oleksandr Zinchenko for the impact the left-back has made at Arsenal. He also hails what he brings to Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title-chasing squad.
The Gunners returned to Manchester City for a second time last summer to secure a £32m transfer for Zinchenko. They had already raided the Etihad Stadium once for Gabriel Jesus for £45m. Both players have since helped Arteta to guide Arsenal to the top of the division.
Arsenal sit five points clear of Manchester City and with a game in hand having won 16 and drawn twice. Only the Citizens have also outscored the Gunners with 53 goals in 21 games to the north Londoners’ 45. Just Newcastle United (12 in 21) have also allowed fewer (17).
Zinchenko has contributed significantly to Arsenal’s run to the top of the table through his 13 outings so far. The 26-year-old immediately replaced Kieran Tierney to start in Arteta’s defence. He earned the role with a real ability to influence games and move into midfield.
Injuries have been the only real stain on Zinchenko’s record since moving to north London on a £150k-a-week, four-year contract. Arteta has been without the 52-cap Ukraine star in seven Premier League fixtures due to a slight knee sprain before a long-term calf problem.
Traore hails Zinchenko’s impact and his title-winning support for Arsenal
Zinchenko has blown former Arsenal left-back Traore away with his work in Arteta’s squad. The Gunners academy graduate admires how his transitions from left-back to the midfield make the Spaniard’s plans click. He especially liked his display against Manchester United.
Traore also acknowledges how important it is for Arteta and the Arsenal players to have a player like Zinchenko with recent experience from winning a Premier League title. The 26-year-old left Manchester City with four winners’ medals plus an FA Cup and four EFL Cups.
“Zinchenko has been absolutely unbelievable,” Traore told talkSPORT. “Every time I see him play, you see his passion and you saw him scream after the game and it’s absolutely amazing. I’m thinking [back to] the game against Man United.
“A few times when Arsenal were maybe not finding a way, he goes and makes things happen. He moves out of his position and gets into little pockets to try and make things happen and this is quite incredible.
“He’s also great for the mentality of the whole squad because he’s won titles. I think he’s come in and been absolutely fantastic. I’m really impressed with him. He’s almost like the cherry on top [of the cake].”
Zinchenko had to stay alert defensively against Manchester United to restrict what £81.5m winger Antony could attempt at the Emirates. The Brazilian’s forays forward meant Arteta needed the Ukraine star to step up at the back. Yet his intelligence with the ball still shone.
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