To a man we were brilliant, but immediately after the whistle was blown, I said Zinchenko was my MoTM. What an attitude! What a player he's becoming!
He came to us as a very promising youngster, but ultimately didn't quite hit the grade we were looking for. It was odds on from the beginning we'd sell or loan him out, but I recall an interview he gave saying he had self belief, a willingness to learn & improve, & the patience to wait for an opportunity to prove himself. He also said City was the only club he wanted to be at, & how determined he was to remain here.
I recall when he first played in place of an injured Mendy. He was OK, but City still needed a quality LB as back up for Mendy, not a makeshift young midfielder. He was a reasonable option in the main, but also a bit hit & miss with his performances & not the long term answer for our problem LB position. He'd be having a brilliant match, but a couple of serious lapses later he'd have our defence on the ropes. His lack of pace is also a major concern too.
However, the kid has stuck it out. He turned down an £18m move to Wolves, with a better chance of regular first team football for himself. He did this to follow through on his pledge to improve himself as a player, & to prove himself good enough to nail down a permanent squad position on merit.
He arrived here as an attacking, creative midfielder, but was seen more of a general CM baller. This issue for Zincheko's career is that City had many more better players than him in his preferred CM position. However, when the opportunity arose to take advantage & become our preferred ball playing LB, he's grabbed it with both hands.
I suppose a question mark will always remain that City need two dedicated, world class LB's to reflect our options on the right, not a converted midfielder, & an often injured LB who hasn't lived up to expectations. But Zinchenko keeps answering that question by slowly & steadily improving into a genuine LB option for us.
Perhaps that question mark can be the best thing all round for Zinchenko & City! It will keep him on his toes, always with something to prove & a position to protect. If I could bottle & sell a football players attitude, it would be Zinchenko's. He's an inspiration to all young aspiring footballers the world over. Never give up on your dreams, & have the fortitude & belief to keep fighting to achieve them.
He's hopefully got another 90+ minutes in him to make Manchester City history. Here's hoping Zinchenko can be a major part of that history..... :-)
