When it comes to versatility, Pep Guardiola insists on it being a key feature in his squads, and demands his players to be flexible with regards to their positional play on the pitch. In Manchester City’s current squad, there are few more versatile than Ukrainian international, Oleksandr Zinchenko - who joined the club from Russian side Ufa in 2016.
Oleksandr Zinchenko arrived in Manchester originally as an attacking midfielder - a position he often plays for the Ukraine national team. Yet, due to injuries and unforeseen circumstances, Manchester City found themselves with a left-back crisis in the 2017/18 season, with the position unfilled as the season went on.
Pep Guardiola subsequently opted to utilise Zinchenko at in the position and that is where the player has largely remained in his five seasons playing for Manchester City. The position switch has been a great success, with both parties winning their fifth Premier League title in just five years last month.
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This unique versatility as well as Premier League experience has made the player the subject of interest from fellow English sides Arsenal and West Ham United, as per a new report from the Evening Standard this week.
Both sides are claimed to be hoping to learn of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s plans for the future sooner rather than later, especially now that Ukraine have failed to reach the World Cup, following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wales in the World Cup play-off final in Cardiff on Sunday night.
The Manchester City player had reportedly put discussions about his future on hold up until now, as his full focus was on attempting to reach the World Cup with Ukraine.
In regards to what specific roles are potentially on offer at either of the aforementioned suitors, it is reported that Arsenal would likely utilise Oleksandr Zinchenko in the midfield role, whereas West Ham would seek to use him as direct competition for their existing first choice left-back Aaron Cresswell.
Zinchenko has had a sparkling career with Manchester City to date, having won four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups as well as two FA Community Shields and an FA Cup, in 128 appearances for the reigning Premier League champions, scoring two goals and assisting 12 in the process.
Topics: Manchester City, Arsenal, West Ham United, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Edward Burnett