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I’d like your opinions on why you think Zinchenko cannot work as the LCM for Arsenal?
I understand that as the LB he has more space to make defence splitting passes but he’s technically very efficient, can do a job tracking back and is extremely proficient with his short passes.
Seems a bit strange that he hasn’t been tried in that position but I’m sure there is a reason.
You put Zinchenko in midfield and you lose what we bought him for in the first place
I do agree with this but sometimes there can be a tweak in the tactics? I am not saying this as a permanent solution for him but in certain games where we don’t want the LB to invert or make Tomiyasu do a bit of it, can’t Zina do a good job playing as the LCM?
Physicality honestly. He’d be tasked to been involved in more duels and win 50/50s which is essential for our 8s.
Primarily, because we need what he offers from LB, in the buildup.
Secondarily, because he doesn’t offer enough in the final third. As has already been suggested, physicality is lacking to a degree here, but it’s not quite that simple. You’d no more want to play Zinchenko in place of Vieira than Vieira in place of Zinchenko.
It’s a bit like the old ‘Is Thomas an 8?’ confusion circa 2020-21. There are things about Zinchenko’s game that might seem to fit in a more advanced, properly midfield role-- but those are the very things that make him such a strong option from LB for Arteta, as Thomas’ 8ish qualities make him such an excellent 6 in our setup.