Many Arsenal fans were impressed by what they saw from Jakub Kiwior against Lens.
Jakub Kiwior came on for the second half in Arsenal’s 6-0 drubbing of Lens on Wednesday evening.
Despite the game being all but won by the time Kiwior took to the field at the Emirates Stadium, the Polish defender was still able to impress.
Taking over from Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, the 23-year-old got forward at every opportunity and combined well with Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz on the flank. As per Sofascore statistics, Kiwior was able to make one tackle, one interception, and one key pass in his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Opportunities have been somewhat limited for Kiwior since his £20 million arrival at Arsenal from Italian side Spezia in the last January transfer window. The form of the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu has restricted him to a rotational role in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, there have been rumours that Kiwior’s future may lay away from Arsenal. A potential return to Serie A has been mooted.
However, Arteta is known to rate the player highly and has faith in his potential. Given his age, time is still very much on Kiwior’s side to establish himself at Arsenal.
The 19-cap Poland international certainly has plenty of quality. He is a solid defender, strong in the air, and is rarely caught out of position. However, it is on the ball that he truly excels. Kiwior can boast a great range of passing and is able to launch attacking moves from the back.
Arsenal fans want to see Jakub Kiwior take next step
It has perhaps taken him a bit of time, understandably, to settle into life in north London. Former Arsenal defender Rob Holding has previously provided an insight into Kiwior’s shy and reserved personality. It can take someone like that a while to become truly comfortable in a new dressing room environment.
Kiwior will now be keen to kick on this season, though, and establish himself as an integral and reliable fixture of the team. Given how many matches the Gunners are likely to play this season, he will certainly get plenty more chances for game time.
Many Arsenal fans are now keen to see more from Kiwior. Taking to X after his showing against Lens, one supporter said, “I’m not joking when i say Kiwior starts for every other team in the league.”
Another fan said, “that Kiwior cameo… wowzers.” Reflecting on the game, one fan stated, “unexpected takeaway from the Arsenal game…Kiwior is very good.”
Looking back on the business that brought the player to club, one supporter exclaimed, “I’ll say it again: Kiwior, what a great little signing.”
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