Three ways Jakub Kiwior could fit into Arsenal’s line up with versatile Pole able to play two positions
VERSATILE Jakub Kiwior could give Mikel Arteta new options in defence with the new signing able to play multiple positions.
Arsenal landed the Polish international yesterday as their second January signing.
He joins Leandro Trossard in heading to the Emirates to give the club a boost as they look to land the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
Arteta could choose to deploy the defender in different ways, and he provides immediate cover should either Gabriel or William Saliba become injured.
If the pair remain fit, Kiwior can still be hopefully of getting some first-team football before May.
Arsenal remain in three competitions and the Europa League promises to test the depth of the squad the longer the Gunners stay in the tournament.
The 22-year-old could then be a rotation option and slot in alongside either Gabriel or Saliba, with the spare centre-back being given a rest.
Kiwior is known to be good with his feet and able to carry the ball forward, fitting the mould of an Arteta defender.
The star is also adept at slotting in at left-back, giving the manager a third choice in that position.
While Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney will likely remain as the first-choice options, Kiwior strengthens depth in that position.
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And with Zinchenko not a traditional full-back, Kiwior could offer a more defensive-minded fit in more difficult games.
There is also the chance the new signing could allow the Arsenal boss to completely reshape his team with a radical tactical switch.
While Arteta has proven to be committed to a back four, Kiwior means he can opt for a back three if the situation required it.
The lack of injuries and the brilliant form means there’s been no need for Arsenal to veer from the 4-2-3-1, but the extra body in defence provides the option for Arteta to spring a tactical surprise.
The Gunners sit five clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on nearest rivals Manchester City.
But with the pair still set to play each other twice in the league – and in the FA Cup on Friday – the London side still have work to do to seal silverware.