Martin Odegaard dropped out of the Arsenal starting lineup to face PSV Eindhoven but, the midfielder still generated attention.
It came as no surprise that Mikel Arteta made significant changes to his squad ahead of Arsenal’s clash with PSV.
Carrying a six-goal lead into the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 at the Emirates allowed the Arsenal manager to make seven changes to his starting XI.
A front three of Mikel Merino, Raheem Sterling and Kieran Tierney was a surprise, as was the inclusion of Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield.
As Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard were rested, Jorginho and Declan Rice partnered Zinchenko in the middle of the park, with the Ukrainian making an instant impact in the role.
Arsenal fans warn Martin Odegaard about Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko opened the scoring after only six minutes of play, latching onto Sterling’s pass to then curl the ball sumptuously beyond Walter Benitez.
After celebrating the goal, Arsenal fans took to social media to react to the 28-year-old’s magic, sending a warning to Odegaard about the Ukrainian possibly taking his place in attacking midfield.
“Zinchenko as a 10 hear me out,” one supporter said, a message relayed by another fan watching on, “Nahhhh Zinchenko in that Odegaard role fairs.”
Attention quickly turned to Odegaard, as fans lavished praise on Zinchenko’s willingness to strike the ball as he did.
“Is Odegaard watching? That’s how you strike a ball.”
Another supporter said, “Odegaard buddy Zinchenko has just shot with more power than you have in 20 games.”
Odegaard was warned by plenty of fans, as one created a scenario predicting what the Arsenal captain would’ve done if he were in Zinchenko’s position in the build up to the goal.
“If Odegaard were in Zinchenko’s position, he would hold on to the ball for too long and refrain from taking a shot, let alone scoring a goal.”
“Zinchenko better 8 than Odegaard heads fried,” a fan said, evidently surprised by Zinchenko’s quality in midfield.
Another couldn’t hide that they were ‘moved’ by the former Manchester City ace’s suitability to the attacking midfield role.
“Zinchenko balling out in the Odegaard role? I’m moved.”
Some fans started thinking about what the future could hold for Zinchenko, insisting that Arteta could ‘revitalize’ the 2022 signing.
“Zinchenko>Odegaard. We can absolutely revitalize Zinny as a CM.”
Zinchenko had to be tested in midfield sooner
Unfortunately for those who now want to see what the Ukraine international has to offer going forward, the defender’s future at the Emirates is uncertain.
Zinchenko has been linked to an Arsenal exit, with transfer interest in the 28-year-old building during the winter market.
Given the injuries that Arsenal have faced this season and the creative strain it caused Arteta, many will be aggrieved that it took so long to see Zinchenko earn a start further upfield.
The left-back’s defensive reliability has been questioned but, his technical ability and reading of the game has always been known, something that fans have been deprived of.
Zinchenko enjoyed a positive start in midfield against PSV, with Odegaard urged to look over his shoulder amid his teammate’s impressive display.
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