Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has expressed confidence in Arsenal’s £35 million-rated player, Oleksandr Zinchenko, asserting that the midfielder could be the decisive factor in the second-leg clash against Porto.
After Arsenal’s lackluster performance in the recent Champions League match against Porto, Gerrard discussed potential strategies for the Gunners to make a comeback in Europe.
The first leg saw Arsenal struggling to break through Porto’s defense, resulting in a surprising defeat with a late goal from Galeno.
Looking ahead to the second leg, significant improvements are deemed necessary for Arsenal to secure a better outcome.
Speaking on the Handbrake Off Podcast, Gerrard emphasized the potential impact of Zinchenko’s return in the upcoming game.
Despite not being a marquee player, Zinchenko’s versatility and tactical contribution make him a crucial asset for Arsenal.
Gerrard believes that Zinchenko’s ability to maintain a high tempo and contribute to a flowing game could be instrumental in the team’s success.
Gerrard further mentioned that Zinchenko’s availability, along with players like Thomas Partey, could address the challenge of Porto shutting off the middle of the pitch.
Arsenal needs to improve in this aspect to perform better in the upcoming game.
Zinchenko’s role in overloading the midfield adds a strategic dimension that Arsenal struggled to execute in the first leg.
Gerrard’s optimism about Zinchenko’s potential return indicates the importance of the midfielder’s presence in influencing the team’s performance positively.
As Arsenal aims to redeem themselves in the second leg against Porto, the potential inclusion of Zinchenko could offer the team a tactical advantage and contribute to a more favorable outcome.
The focus on maintaining a high tempo and addressing weaknesses in the middle of the pitch suggests a strategic approach to overcome Porto’s defensive tactics.
