Jakub Kiwior: The Unsung Hero of Arsenal’s Defence
In a season marred by injuries and setbacks, Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a vital cog in Arsenal’s defence. The Polish defender has seamlessly slotted into the starting lineup, forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba. As Arsenal.com reports, Kiwior’s strong relationship with his fellow defenders has been a key factor in his assured performances.
Kiwior’s introduction to the starting lineup was hastened by the injury to Gabriel, which ruled him out for the rest of the season. However, the 25-year-old has not looked out of place, steering Arsenal to six unbeaten games alongside Saliba, including impressive wins against Real Madrid. The duo’s impressive record is a testament to their growing understanding, with Arsenal.com quoting Kiwior as saying, "I feel very good on the pitch with everyone because we have a great relationship and we talk a lot with each other."
The defender’s adaptability has also been a significant asset for Arsenal, with Kiwior featuring in various positions across the backline. As Arsenal.com notes, he has played in the left-back, right-back, and centre-back positions, impressing with his versatility. "It’s definitely a big strength for me that I can play in different positions," Kiwior said. "I’ve played a few games in the left-back position or the right-back position, but I feel good on the pitch no matter what position I’m in."
Kiwior’s seamless transition to the starting lineup is also attributed to his close working relationship with manager Mikel Arteta. The defender praised Arteta’s guidance, saying, "The coach tries to talk to the players not only about the things on the pitch, but also about different things in life, so we have this good relationship because he cares about us." As Arsenal.com reports, Kiwior has been working closely with Arteta to fine-tune his skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.
As Arsenal prepares to take on Crystal Palace, Kiwior is aiming to make his 62nd appearance for the club. The defender is determined to help Arsenal finish the domestic campaign strongly, securing a third-straight second-place finish. As Arsenal.com notes, Kiwior believes that this would be evidence that the team is doing many things right, setting them up for a strong challenge in the next season.
Kiwior also highlighted the importance of Arsenal’s European exploits, which he feels are fuelling the squad with positivity. "We feel very good because this is big history for us," he admitted. "After [the Real Madrid] game, we feel very confident inside. I hope we can continue to play that way in the semi-finals of the Champions League." As Arsenal.com reports, Kiwior is confident that the team can make history in the competition.
In conclusion, Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a vital component of Arsenal’s defence, forming a strong partnership with William Saliba and impressing with his versatility. As Arsenal.com notes, Kiwior’s relationship with his fellow defenders and his close working relationship with Mikel Arteta have been key factors in his success. With the team aiming to finish the domestic campaign strongly and make a deep run in the Champions League, Kiwior is set to play a crucial role in the coming weeks.
The article is based on a report from Arsenal.com, which provides exclusive insights into Kiwior’s thoughts and experiences at Arsenal. The quotes used in this article are directly from the publication, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.