#11 | Oleksandr Zinchenko - 2020/21 Performances

[mccity]

Do we think he lost his place due to his comments on the quadruple a few weeks back? Looked like he was making a case to be the starting left back then all of a sudden hasn’t been seen since.

I don't think Pep is THAT petty tbh.

He's only missed two games anyhow. Even if he's out for a while I wouldn't be too concerned for him, it's happened before and he's found a way back.


Personally though with games coming thick and fast I can't see a world where he doesn't get games.

 

[Ric]

I don't think Pep is THAT petty tbh.

He's only missed two games anyhow. Even if he's out for a while I wouldn't be too concerned for him, it's happened before and he's found a way back.


Personally though with games coming thick and fast I can't see a world where he doesn't get games.

The only problem I foresee for him is that Cancelo is likely to start at left back in the biggest games, and Mendy might start getting the nod in the league after a good performance at Leicester.

 

[decmancity]

I dont see any issue, Pep needs the squad fit and sharp. Can't keep using the same 11 and run them into the ground.

 

[mccity]

The only problem I foresee for him is that Cancelo is likely to start at left back in the biggest games, and Mendy might start getting the nod in the league after a good performance at Leicester.

Although I don't think that'll happen, it's definitely a possibility. In his favour though is that we know from history that Zinchenko is willing to bide his time. Much like at the start of this season when he had fitness issues.

 

[eversince 76]

The only problem I foresee for him is that Cancelo is likely to start at left back in the biggest games, and Mendy might start getting the nod in the league after a good performance at Leicester.

I like Pep. Great coach. But to prefer Cancelo on the left (wrong foot) when we all know what Zinchenko can bring (who in fact is a lefty) is beyond me. Honestly.

When creating an extra spot in midfield by pulling one of the wingbacks inside and more foreward, he needs to play either Cancelo right with Mendy left, or likewise Zinchenko left with Walker right.

Play Ake or Laporte as a left back when you wanna play with 3 defenders.

To me it’s that simple. But that’s why I probably sit at home being a fan and Pep is the manager. I can live with that.

 

[Dax777]

I like Pep. Great coach. But to prefer Cancelo on the left (wrong foot) when we all know what Zinchenko can bring (who in fact is a lefty) is beyond me. Honestly.

When creating an extra spot in midfield by pulling one of the wingbacks inside and more foreward, he needs to play either Cancelo right with Mendy left, or likewise Zinchenko left with Walker right.

Play Ake or Laporte as a left back when you wanna play with 3 defenders.

To me it’s that simple. But that’s why I probably sit at home being a fan and Pep is the manager. I can live with that.

I actually like the idea of both Cancelo and Zinchencko together. Likewise Walker and Mendy.

 

[oldius]

Our best performances have seen Zin on the left and Cancelo on the right, IMO.

 

[eversince 76]

I actually like the idea of both Cancelo and Zinchencko together. Likewise Walker and Mendy.

I think these combos are too similar.

But evenso what has Zinchenko have to show playing Cancelo or anyone else for that matter playing LB is not an improvement.

 

[doobyedoobye]

Having serious competition for the left back position is not a problem many expected just a few weeks ago..

 

[Dax777]

I think these combos are too similar.

But evenso what has Zinchenko have to show playing Cancelo or anyone else for that matter playing LB is not an improvement.

All 4 have different strengths.

When Cancelo and Zinch play, Cancelo attacks and joins the front line on the right, while Zinch is more conservative and great with possession and Defensive attention.

The other combo, Kyle is more like Zinch, albeit with less technique and more Speed and Athletisn, while Mendy is more attack minded vans perhaps the best crosser.

Cancelo as great as he is actually loses possession a lot, so he needs the most possession friendly fullback, Zinch, as his foil. And Mendy is the most attack minded, thus needs the best defensive back, Kyle as his foil. Also Kyle has the meanest Cross field pass which has its highest utility when Mendy is the cross field fullback.

I've considered some of the qualities all 4 players possess, and I'm strongly convinced that a prime Cancelo/Zinchencko and Walker/Mendy are the 2 best pairs.

Granted with Walker/Mendy we lose some possession edge, and with the other some Athletisn and directness.