Pre-season was the ideal environment for the club to experiment with new tactical innovations, and Arsenal made the most of the process in their midweek 1-1 draw with German side Nuremberg, who put Jakub Kiviol in a different role on the pitch. In the friendly match at the Max Morlock Stadium, the Gunners made personnel changes in various positions, and one notable experiment was to have Kiviol play Zinchenko-esque counter-footing wing-back whenever Arsenal had possession.
Although the adjustment was not a sensation, it still caused a lot of discussion among fans and showed great potential in its short 50-minute playing time. This could be a sign that Mikel Arteta has found another versatile player on the pitch that he can use for the 2023/24 season.
THE POLISH-BORN DEFENDER SEEMS TO BE QUITE COMFORTABLE IN A NON-HABITUAL POSITION, AND FOREIGN MEDIA OUTLET FANSIDED SUMMED UP THREE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF LETTING KIVIOL APPEAR IN THE ZINCHENKO POSITION.
First, he can become Zinchenko's right-hand man
While Zinchenko had plenty of playing time in his debut season, his injury record made him unreliable and the team's only solution. Persistent calf strains and minor knee problems have led to Ukrainian players missing 15 games in all competitions last year, a level of absence that will undoubtedly hurt Arsenal's fight for domestic and European titles next season. As the saying goes, "The best ability is to be able to use it".
But Kiviol may give a different answer, as he is a skilled ball handler who naturally moves into midfield if needed – a position he played almost exclusively in Spezia's first season with the first team. A good trendy passer, Kivior's performances have put him above Kieran Tierney and helped mitigate the risks posed by Zinchenko's absence.
Second, he can provide Arsenal with better defensive coverage
Zinchenko's main problem last season was in the backline, as he was often too far up front or out of his position, which meant he was sometimes a liability, although he was a bigger threat forward. While no one disputes his possession talent or the offensive value he brings through precise teleportation, the 26-year-old is slightly weaker in back-field 1-on-1 confrontations and is known for his lack of concentration – perhaps the most famous example being his new team-mate Kay Havitz's decisive goal against the former's 2021 Champions League final.
Zinchenko's deficiencies could in turn add to Kiviol's first-team advantage, as he looks well suited to Arsenal's attacking needs as a full-back role, but can also draw on his centre-back experience to better engage in confrontation and stifle counter-attacks when conceded. It remains to be seen how Kiviol will handle things in isolation, but from a broad defensive perspective, especially in games where the Gunners have less possession, he could challenge Zinchenko for the starting spot.
Third, he can be the "John Stones" of the gunners
As an option for centre-back and back-foot positions, Kivior offers a welcome multi-functional attribute that allows the team to approximate the effect of having John Stones in the centre circle. Manchester City showed the effect of taking risks at centre-back on their way to last season's historic treble, while Stones' deep starting position made it difficult for him to target his striker.
In addition, his super-calmness in possession allows the championship team to have additional "players" at every stage of possession and makes every goal possible. Stones' presence allows each No.8 player to move further up to the front to enhance the goalkeeping threat, while being in midfield helps him retreat quickly, which can help with defense.
From Arsenal's perspective, Kiviol's technique means that if Saliba is encouraged to move forward into midfield, he can equally protect the Gunners' backline, or appearing in the right-back counter-footed position could see the Pole take on the role of stealing himself as he possesses the technical ability to dodge pressure from opponents and complete penetrating passes.
His contrarian qualities have added another chip to Arsenal's victory and Arteta is sure to test him again on his upcoming trip to the United States.
#夏日生活打卡季#