Arsenal loanee Jakub Kiwior played the full 90 minutes for Porto in their opening Europa League fixture against RB Salzburg.
The game was decided in the 93rd minute, as William Gomes’ accurate long-range effort gave the Portuguese giants all three points in dramatic fashion.
Gomes’ strike was the only goal in what was a cagey affair, where both defences ultimately impressed.
Portuguese media have been enthused by Kiwior’s displays so far at Porto, and they only had more positive things to say about the Pole after his European debut for his new club.
Portuguese media react to Arsenal loanee Jakub Kiwior’s Europa League performance
Kiwior joined Porto on loan on deadline day, in a deal that included an obligation to buy worth in the region of €27 million.
The 25-year-old will join the Primeira Liga outfit permanently next summer, and he appears to be settling in nicely at his new club.
Starting at the heart of Porto’s defence for their game against Salzburg, alongside international teammate Jan Bednarek, the left-footed centre-back shone in Austria.
Awarded an 8.1 rating, the highest of any player on the night, by FotMob, Kiwior was outstanding both on the ball and in his defensive work.
It wasn’t only FotMob who recognised the player’s impressive exploits, with Portuguese media also quick to praise him.
A Bola awarded Kiwior with a seven out of ten in their player ratings, writing: “He knows the Bednarek twin like no other player, and as a result, he’s been putting in some very consistent performances. A great first half, showing intensity and imposing play, blocking open paths to Diogo Costa’s goal.”
Meanwhile, Record also awarded Kiwior with a seven out of ten for his showing, praising the central defender’s composure.
Arsenal may regret selling Jakub Kiwior for so little
The early signs for Kiwior at Porto are extremely positive; the Poland international has continued the form he showed at the end of last season, clearly demonstrating that it was no mirage.
Comfortable in possession and athletic enough to deal with everything that comes his way physically, he’s a very accomplished centre-back who can thrive at almost any level.
The market ultimately forced the Gunners’ hand regarding the fee that Porto eventually agreed to, which stands at around £23.6 million.
Kiwior’s desire was to join Porto and not one of the Premier League clubs interested in him, meaning Arsenal had to settle for a lower fee.
However, if they’d held out and simply only allowed the player to leave on loan, they could’ve been looking at a much more significant fee next summer.
If Kiwior impresses enough over the next 12 months in the Primeira Liga, there could come a point when he’s worth significantly more.
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