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Emmanuel Frimpong thinks Oleksandr Zinchenko would've been in the Arsenal 'Invincibles' team over Ashley Cole

Home> Football

Updated 17:17 3 Feb 2023 GMTPublished 17:15 3 Feb 2023 GMT

Emmanuel Frimpong thinks Oleksandr Zinchenko would've been in the Arsenal 'Invincibles' team over Ashley Cole

Zinchenko has become a fan favourite since arriving from Manchester City.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

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Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has been told he'd get into the 'Invincibles' team ahead of Premier League icon Ashley Cole.

The Ukraine international joined the Gunners from Manchester City in the summer after being told he was surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta decided to splash £30 million on the full-back, who he worked with during his time as City assistant manager, to bolster his defence.

It's proven to be a shrewd purchase, with Zinchenko being a standout performer in Arsenal's title charge. They sit five points clear of City going into the second half of the campaign.

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Zinchenko has played 12 times in the league, but that number would've been higher if not for a calf injury in October. He's Arteta's undisputed number one at left-back.

The praise from one former Arsenal player, in particular, is perhaps the most you can receive. Emmanuel Frimpong believes Zinchenko would've been good enough to dislodge Cole in the club's famous 'Invincibles' team.

Arsenal won the Premier League under Arsene Wenger in 2003/2004 without losing a single one of their 38 games. It's a feat yet to be repeated, which means the stars from that squad are highly renowned.

Cole went on to become one of the finest defenders of his generation, although the peak of his career came away from Highbury.

Zinchenko is good enough to play in the Arsenal 'Invincibles' team according to Frimpong. (Image
Alamy)

He joined Chelsea in 2005, a controversial move at the time. Cole did win the Premier League once again at Stamford Bridge, in addition to four FA Cups, the League Cup, Europa League and Champions League.

Despite all his talents, Frimpong believes Zinchenko could take his place in the team. He also floated the idea of Thomas Partey replacing Patrick Vieira although he seemed less convinced.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's game with Everton on Saturday afternoon, a game Frimpong is tipping the Gunners to win 2-1, he said: "I think Zinchenko definitely, for me, Ashley Cole was very good but Zinchenko makes left back look like he is playing in central midfield. I think Zinchenko is an incredible player.

Cole played 32 times in the 'Invincibles' season, Arsenal's last league title triumph. (Image
Alamy)

"I don’t think Thomas Partey is a better player than Patrick Vieira, but I think Partey would have a shout. He is also playing well and is high on confidence, which is very good. Apart from that, I don’t think so.

"That team was crazy man, they were just on another level. So those two players have definitely got a shout."

Do you think Oleksandr Zinchenko is better than Ashley Cole? Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ashley Cole, Premier League

Daniel Marland
Daniel Marland

Daniel is SPORTbible's Senior Social Editor.

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@DanMarland_

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