How Oleksandr Zinchenko’s stats in 21-22 compared with Granit Xhaka’s
Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to join Arsenal in a £30million deal – but could he take Granit Xhaka’s place in the starting XI?
During his time at Manchester City, Zinchenko made 128 appearances in all competitions and predominately played as a left-back.
But it wasn’t an orthodox left-back role as Pep Guardiola likes his full-backs to move inside and create an overload in midfield.
“In the pockets as the attacking midfielder,” Guardiola said earlier this year when asked about Zinchenko’s best position. “That is his position, definitely. When we brought Oleks from Ukraine, he was a No.10 – a Phil Foden position, a creative player.
“But the needs we had… We didn’t have a left-back for many years. Fabian Delph adapted incredibly well in that position and Oleks as well. That’s happened because he is well-educated, he knows exactly what it means.”
The 25-year-old always plays in midfield for the Ukraine national team and has previously admitted that it’s his favourite position.
According to the Daily Mail, Mikel Arteta views Zinchenko as an asset to bolster Arsenal’s midfield but also recognises that he can be utilised at left back when required.
His impending arrival could be bad news for Xhaka, who has divided opinion in the Arsenal fanbase over the last six seasons.
“Watching Zinchenko play in midfield for Ukraine in those qualifying matches was interesting because I thought he did very well in there,” former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend told talkSPORT. “I thought he did well.
“Could he do what Xhaka does? Can he play in that role? Can he play in that sort of position and be that left-sider if need be?”
We’ve compared Zinchenko and Xhaka’s Premier League stats in 2021-22 to see how the two players compare.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Games: 15
Starts: 10
Sub appearances: 5
Assists (mins per assist): 4 (261.2)
Passes per 90 minutes (pass completion rate): 83.6 (90.7%)
Chances created per 90 minutes: 1.4
Succesful tackles per 90 minutes (success rate): 1.7 (68%)
Interceptions per 90 minutes: 1.2
Clearances per 90 minutes: 0.9
Shots per 90 minutes: 1.0
Successful dribbles per 90 minutes (success rate): 0.6 (60%)
READ: Oleksandr Zinchenko is the midfield mentality monster ideal for Arsenal
Granit Xhaka
Games: 27
Starts: 27
Sub appearances: 0
Assists (mins per assist): 2 (1165.5)
Passes per 90 minutes (pass completion rate): 59.6 (86.8%)
Chances created per 90 minutes: 1.2
Succesful tackles per 90 minutes (success rate): 1.2 (54.5%)
Interceptions per 90 minutes: 0.8
Clearances per 90 minutes: 1.1
Shots per 90 minutes: 1.0
Successful dribbles per 90 minutes (success rate): 0.7 (70%)
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