Oleksandr Zinchenko returned from injury in Zagreb on Wednesday night when he replaced hat-trick hero Gabriel Jesus after 66 minutes. The hype around his return was mostly with the view to him providing a solution to the team’s troubles at left-back, but when he came on versus the Croatian champions, he was deployed in a midfield role.
Zinchenko was a midfielder by trade but has seen his role adapted to that of a defender in recent seasons, mainly to cover injuries within the squad. However, his performance in the middle of the park – all be it a 25-minute cameo – that has excited these fans who feel he should play there more regularly.
Who would you rather have in midfield Zinchenko or Gundogan?
Gundogan
Zinchenko
Midfield maestro Zinchenko gonna save our season
— AJ (@AJ_CTID) December 11, 2019
Zinchenko in midfield > Zinchenko at lb
— Omar Al Abrashy (@AbrashyAl) December 11, 2019
Zinchenko’s cameo at midfield has been solid
— Dara ?? (@EdersonEraV2) December 11, 2019
Loving Zinchenko in the midfield
— gabe (@ftbIgabe) December 11, 2019
Zinchenko in the midfield ?
— Tim (@NoChillsTim) December 11, 2019
Zinchenko in midfield > Gundogan
— Depression SZN (@DeBrxyne17) December 11, 2019
Zinchenko in the midfield!!!!!!!!!! Omg yes!!
— Ryan Guerrier (@RStephaneG) December 11, 2019
Yas Zinchenko is back! And playing in midfield! Missed that lad so much
— Blue Blood ??????? (@13Rapha_L) December 11, 2019
Zinchenko is a BEAST in midfield https://t.co/3mzE80bk30
— #BackBoris (@LiamMCFC17) December 11, 2019
What do we think?
Pep Guardiola hinted post-match that Zinchenko’s future is in the midfield by saying the battle for the left-back position is now between Benjamin Mendy and Angelino.
The 22-year-old Ukrainian, who is valued at £27m by TransferMarkt.co.uk, certainly has the technical qualities that the Spanish coach looks for in his midfielders and he, along with Phil Foden, are very much regarded as the future of the club.
Both have promising futures ahead of them but with the talent currently at the club’s disposal, their opportunities will no doubt be limited therefore it’s down to them to make sure they make the most of them.