Pundit Adrian Clarke claims manager Mikel Arteta should deploy Oleksandr Zinchenko into midfield mix in this current campaign.
Speaking on the Handbrake Off Podcast, Clarke was discussing about the Ukrainian International. Zinchenko didn’t enjoy his time against Lens as he caught out for the French side’s decisive goal.
Zinchenko is quite versatile and Arteta is aware of that. He is the only player in Arsenal squad who can play as both left-back and central-midfielder.
It makes him a important man in Mikel Arteta’s game plan but can be caught out and left the defense exposed. The Ukrainian International was subbed off immediately after 2:1, as Ben White came on.
However, Clarke suggests Mikel Arteta should have changed Zinchenko’s role after Lens took the lead. The Ukrainian should play in the midfield when Arsenal are chasing a game.
Speaking about the 26-year-old, the pundit said :-
“In those situations where Mikel [Arteta] doesn’t feel that [Oleksandr] Zinchenko is offering enough defensively, rather than taking him off, I’d rather put him into that left-sided number eight role and keep him on.
“He’s got that progressive pass in him, he’s an unlocker of defences.
“Rather than always take him off when he’s struggling defensively, could we then use him just in a further forward position as that left-sided number eight?
“The bottom line is he’s the one that’s more likely to play that killer pass in the final 15, 20 minutes of a game than anyone else.
“It’s just an idea to throw out there.”
After some injury concerns this season, Mikel Arteta should get his plans on track in this difficult situation.
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