#11 | Oleksandr Zinchenko - 2020/21 Performances

[remember arthur mann]

Its easy to miss. He looks competent, as the thread said his passes are shortish, he doesn't have the attacking glamour of Cancelo or the physicality of Walker. He is a bit like Gundo was. He just makes the team play better without being the star.

I think his short passes are more of a directive from Pep but he's never short when he pings one across to the opposite side of the field.

 

[mccity]

It's a bit like I said in the Sterling thread, there are certain players that have less obvious qualities that make them underrated (or misunderstood) by fans and pundits.

 

[jollylescott]

Excellent game.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Another solid game, his form since coming into thr side has been superb, didn't happen today but he's a substantial and often overlooked part of why we've been ticking recently and on top of his new found extra level of aggression he seems more athletic too, doesn't stop moving. Keep it up.

 

[grifter]

He’s been excellent of late and always seems to be present when we go on these impressive streaks of form. We would of had a good balance with him and Angelino as our left backs in my opinion.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Superb,becoming very reliable.

His understanding of the role he is asked to play has increased dramatically and we are all the better and more balanced for it.

 

[oldius]

He is definitely doing well and is well supported by Phil.

 

[mccity]

No complaints again. He seems more tenacious.

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

Zinchenko has gone under the radar , he's played some really good , solid games recently and hasnt put a foot wrong and offered an option going forward , he has a good understanding with Foden on the left , underrated player in my opinion

 

[OB1]

Superb,becoming very reliable.

His understanding of the role he is asked to play has increased dramatically and we are all the better and more balanced for it.

He really does get better and better at his role. Helped today by the fact that he was more of a midfield player in a 3-3-4 formation.

 

[FantasyIreland]

He really does get better and better at his role. Helped today by the fact that he was more of a midfield player in a 3-3-4 formation.

Definitely,he looks far happier when he is allowed to display his natural midfield instincts.

 

[@BluePhil8]

Him and Cancelo, Pep’s false fullbacks. Immense.

 

[Tevez City]

The best value for money Pep ever spent.

 

[Citizen in Pakistan]

Simply love him, Fantastic player with 100% commitment

 

[kunaguero10]

Solid game again yesterday, if it comes to getting rid of Mendy or Zinchenko then its not even a close call

 

[TonyM]

I think he's great. I'm happy with him as first choice lb for a long while yet. That said, I would love him to put in a few more crosses and take more shots. I feel like he's afraid of being told that he's wasting possession but the same could have been said of Cancelo. If they both find the right balance it'd be great.

(Hope Mendy is sold asap though - we have plenty of lb cover with Ake and Laporte.)

 

[Tricky_Trev]

My worry is we can’t shift Mendy in the summer and let Zinchenko go to bring in a new left back. It’s testament to Zinchenko that I’d genuinely be gutted about that. Mendy’s 6 year deal could end Oleks’ City career.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

Definitely,he looks far happier when he is allowed to display his natural midfield instincts.

He can often get a bit of criticism but we must remember he is NOT a left full back. As soon as he moves forward, drifts a little into the middle it becomes clear that he has the talent and inclination to play in midfield. We just have some of the best midfielders in world football so he isn't gonna get much of a sniff there. He can occasionally drop a short misguided pass and our attack turns immediately to defence - it happened yesterday - but I think he is a genuine, honest guy who loves the club.

 

[Saddleworth2]

He can often get a bit of criticism but we must remember he is NOT a left full back. As soon as he moves forward, drifts a little into the middle it becomes clear that he has the talent and inclination to play in midfield. We just have some of the best midfielders in world football so he isn't gonna get much of a sniff there. He can occasionally drop a short misguided pass and our attack turns immediately to defence - it happened yesterday - but I think he is a genuine, honest guy who loves the club.

How long do you play in a role before you become it?
He is our best left back by a country mile and is worth his place in the team. I hope we keep him.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

He can often get a bit of criticism but we must remember he is NOT a left full back. As soon as he moves forward, drifts a little into the middle it becomes clear that he has the talent and inclination to play in midfield. We just have some of the best midfielders in world football so he isn't gonna get much of a sniff there. He can occasionally drop a short misguided pass and our attack turns immediately to defence - it happened yesterday - but I think he is a genuine, honest guy who loves the club.

He is a left back though. A very modern, non-traditional, versatile version of one. But still a left back. Pep said the other day that whilst Zinchenko thinks he’s an attacking midfielder, Pep basically said he doesn’t have the attributes for it and his current role is what suits him. How long does he have to play left back before we acknowledge that it is now his position? He’s very good at it. When Cancelo plays on the right, Zinchenko is even playing as part of a back 3 in possession. He is now a defender. One of the very best in the game at helping the build up. That’s why Pep loves him.