Oleksandr Zinchenko showcased his technical ability as he dominated in an Arsenal training drill.
The Ukrainian, who was a summer purchase from Manchester City, has spent his time honing his skills under Pep Guardiola, a coach who demands a high level of skill from his players. That was evident in a skill-based exercise employed by Mikel Arteta.
His Arsenal stars lined up alongside each other and then had to race whilst keeping the ball up. The majority of players did so at a mild pace, but Zinchenko raced clear whilst keeping the ball under control, which bought about a huge cheer from his new teammates and the coaches.
Players who allowed the ball to hit the ground were forced to start again, but Zinchenko was able to race clear. The versatile star has enjoyed a tremendous start to life in north London, helping the Gunners win their opening two games.
The Ukrainian has been deployed at left-back, but mid-game has been allowed to step into midfield, a position where he has ambitions to play. Zinchenko's passing ability and composure mean he's more than at home in the middle of the park - a position he plays for his country.
Arteta worked with the 25-year-old previously at City during his time as Guardiola's assistant so knew what to expect from his new recruit. He said upon signing him: "He’s a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City.
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"Alex is a high-quality player who will give us options and versatility. It's not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence. Alex is a person with great human qualities and character, and I’m delighted that everyone has made this huge effort to bring Alex to the club.”
Zinchenko has made an immediate impact, earning praise from his manager during pre-season. Arteta claimed: "He’s a perfectionist and a really demanding boy, I know him so well, and after that he brings qualities that we didn’t have in the squad."
Arsenal are targeting a spot in the top four after narrowly missing out last term and have spent over £100m for the second successive summer. They've bought in the likes of Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus, who has also got off to an impressive start at the Emirates, scoring twice in the recent win over Leicester City.
