i've found the 'abuse' Zinky gets bizarre, i sometimes feel like there's a swathe of Arsenal fans that need a boo boy, even when things are going along nicely, and, at least for now, Havetz & Raya are off the sh1tlist, some malcontents need to direct their ire somewhere. But when you see the cold hard data, it's clear he's underrated.
I remember last year away at Sp'rs, in the first few minutes they knocked a long diagonal ball for Kulusevski, and Gnev, the font of all stupidity stated, 'they'll look to exploit his weakness in the air...'
Zinky promptly won the next 4 or 5 ariel duels, against a larger opponent, to utter silence from Gnev
I think the uniqueness of Zinchenko and elite on ball quality and above average defensive output tip the balance for me to retain. It's still a relatively young squad, he is a leader and an experienced player. He is also just in the top 11 for minutes in the PL this season so he has contributed. We got him for a relatively low fee, which is halfway paid off. I think with some of the other business we're expecting to do I would choose continuity there, similar to with Tomiyasu. I also think his skillet will be valued by other clubs in 2 years time if we choose to sell. None of Kiwior/Tomi/Timber are ready to take the shirt off him yet.
I think he is elite on the ball and okay defensively and extremely important to us. The issue is: if a player is only available for 50-60% of time, he needs to be replaced. But there aren't many who can do what he does because his role is so rare, maybe Miguel from Girona or Mittelstädt from Stuttgart. They play in similar roles but are they good enough? Not sure. Looks like we will have to teach Timber how to invert from the right
He played 62% of the League minutes last year and so far is at 57% this season. That is what makes it tough. When he is healthy he is very unique and potentially the best left back in the League, like so many players it comes down to is 60% with excellent performance enough?
Arsenal have survived it this year and I think can again which is why I wouldn't sell but also wouldn't be in a rush to extend.
I’m with you on all this. And if the club decided they had what they wanted at LB with Timber, Kiwior and Tomiyasu - I’d still say Zinchenko should be kept as a midfield option. I would love to see him get a run out at L8 with Rice at 6 or in the Jorginho role with rice further forward.
i've found the 'abuse' Zinky gets bizarre, i sometimes feel like there's a swathe of Arsenal fans that need a boo boy, even when things are going along nicely, and, at least for now, Havetz & Raya are off the sh1tlist, some malcontents need to direct their ire somewhere. But when you see the cold hard data, it's clear he's underrated.
I remember last year away at Sp'rs, in the first few minutes they knocked a long diagonal ball for Kulusevski, and Gnev, the font of all stupidity stated, 'they'll look to exploit his weakness in the air...'
Zinky promptly won the next 4 or 5 ariel duels, against a larger opponent, to utter silence from Gnev
I think the uniqueness of Zinchenko and elite on ball quality and above average defensive output tip the balance for me to retain. It's still a relatively young squad, he is a leader and an experienced player. He is also just in the top 11 for minutes in the PL this season so he has contributed. We got him for a relatively low fee, which is halfway paid off. I think with some of the other business we're expecting to do I would choose continuity there, similar to with Tomiyasu. I also think his skillet will be valued by other clubs in 2 years time if we choose to sell. None of Kiwior/Tomi/Timber are ready to take the shirt off him yet.
I think he is elite on the ball and okay defensively and extremely important to us. The issue is: if a player is only available for 50-60% of time, he needs to be replaced. But there aren't many who can do what he does because his role is so rare, maybe Miguel from Girona or Mittelstädt from Stuttgart. They play in similar roles but are they good enough? Not sure. Looks like we will have to teach Timber how to invert from the right
He played 62% of the League minutes last year and so far is at 57% this season. That is what makes it tough. When he is healthy he is very unique and potentially the best left back in the League, like so many players it comes down to is 60% with excellent performance enough?
Arsenal have survived it this year and I think can again which is why I wouldn't sell but also wouldn't be in a rush to extend.
I’m with you on all this. And if the club decided they had what they wanted at LB with Timber, Kiwior and Tomiyasu - I’d still say Zinchenko should be kept as a midfield option. I would love to see him get a run out at L8 with Rice at 6 or in the Jorginho role with rice further forward.