‘Amazing player’: Zinchenko names the one Arsenal defender he was already watching at Man City

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Oleksandr Zinchenko has said he was already watching ‘amazing’ Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney while at Manchester City.

In an interview with the Evening Standard, new Arsenal signing Zinchenko was talking about his new left-back competitor and was very complimentary. “He is an amazing player. Even when I was at City I was watching his games.

“I think it is good competition for each of us. We are going to push each other, and I think that’s the key. That’s how we need to move on. The most important thing is both of us want to try and help the team as much as we can.”

Zinchenko’s started his Arsenal career fantastically well so far, starting with a clean sheet and an assist on his debut at Crystal Palace, and then had another brilliant game against Leicester.

In both matches, Zinchenko has been substituted for Tierney, and Mikel Arteta having both options available at left-back is a great problem to have.

Zinchenko was already watching Tierney while at Man City

The Ukrainian international is already an upgrade on Tierney previous competitor Nuno Tavares.

It’s clear to see the influence his former manager Pep Guardiola has had on the way he plays football.

Tierney is more of a traditional left-back who tends to stay wide in Arsenal’s attacking build-up, and Arteta now believes he’s ‘ready to go’.

However, Zinchenko tends to occupy a more central role in possession once Arsenal are in the opposition’s half, and his quick feet and decision making have helped the Gunners create plenty of chances already.

He’s already provided a goal for his left-sided partner Gabriel Martinelli, although a header across goal to Martinelli at the back post probably isn’t how their link-up play was first envisioned.

Arsenal will be competing on multiple fronts this season, with a return to Champions League football and a good cup run both domestically and abroad expected.

Arteta having the option to rotate between Zinchenko and Tierney will be the envy of many teams in the Premier League, and has already taken Arsenal’s performances up a notch.