Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has expressed admiration for Jakub Kiwior’s recent performances, highlighting how the Polish defender has been transformative for Arsenal in the Premier League.
Scholes believes that Kiwior’s contributions have been crucial in turning Arsenal into a formidable team.
Since stepping in for Oleksandr Zinchenko during a critical match against Liverpool, Kiwior has become an integral part of the Arsenal defense, greatly enhancing the team’s overall performance.
Kiwior, an international player for Poland, made a significant impact when he was brought on at half-time during Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool earlier in the season.
Following this match, he has played every minute as a left-back for Arsenal, a position in which the team has conceded only one goal in the Premier League.
Under Kiwior’s influence, Arsenal has managed to score 15 goals in their last three matches, with Kiwior himself contributing to the scoreline in their recent win against Newcastle United.
Football analyst Craig Burley, commenting on ESPN FC, has highlighted the crucial role Kiwior has played in Arsenal’s recent upturn in form.
Burley emphasized that Kiwior’s natural abilities as a wing-back have provided Arsenal with a more stable and effective defensive setup.
This tactical adjustment has been vital in their impressive run, positioning them firmly in the race for the Premier League title.
Burley noted that Kiwior’s inclusion over Zinchenko has prevented the team from having an additional player drifting into midfield, as Kiwior is more suited to a traditional wing-back role.
This change has allowed Arsenal to adopt a more conventional defensive arrangement, with Kiwior on one flank and Ben White on the other.
The resulting stability has been a key factor in Arsenal’s recent successes.
Since his £20 million transfer from Spezia last year, Kiwior has matured into his role as a left-back, which is remarkable given the competition from other players like Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and the recently returned Jurrien Timber.
Despite these strong contenders for the position, Kiwior has proven to be the most effective choice, consistently delivering high-quality performances and solidifying his place in the starting lineup.
His dependable displays have not only strengthened Arsenal’s defense but have also motivated him to continue improving, driven by the fear of losing his spot.
Kiwior’s impact on the team is clear. As Burley pointed out, having White on one side and Kiwior on the other has provided Arsenal with four defenders who are not only eager to advance but are also committed to their defensive duties.
This balance has been crucial in giving Arsenal the stability they needed at the back.
Initially, few Arsenal supporters could have anticipated Kiwior’s significant influence, especially after his own goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
However, his resilience and quality have turned him into a vital player for Arsenal, playing a key role in their quest for the Premier League title.
His journey from a relatively unknown player to a critical component of Arsenal’s defense highlights his impressive development and the significant positive impact he has had on the team’s performance.
