Arsenal has made quick work of yet another new signing this January after losing out on what was their primary target in Mykhailo Mudryk.
Since losing out on the Ukrainian phenom to rivals Chelsea, Arsenal has responded quite well, signing both Leandro Trossard and now Polish international Jakub Kiwior. Coach Mikel Arteta has stated he wants another left-footed center back in his ranks to help challenge and push Gabriel Magalhaes. It appears he now has that player in Jakub Kiwior.
This signing admittedly came out of nowhere, as Arsenal were so quick the way they went about their business, much like they did with Leandro Trossard. The Gunners are in a unique position at the top of the table and feel (rightfully so) that more depth is needed in order to fend off challengers Manchester City (and potentially others).
So, let’s learn about the new £22 million defender on Arsenal’s side:
Career so far
- Began his career at GKS Tychy
- Kiwior was then poached by Belgian club Anderlecht for their academy
- Left academy at 18 years old
- His professional debut came for Zeleziarne Podbrezova
- After making 16 appearances, he moved to MSK Zilina in Slovakia
- During his 2-year stint at MSK Zilina, the club entered liquidation to survive the pandemic, but Kiwior still caught the eyes of many around Europe
- Enter, Spezia, who signed him on a 4-year deal in August of 2021
- He then made his international debut for Poland in a Nations League friendly against the Netherlands last June
- He featured in all 4 of Poland’s World Cup games this past winter as they progressed out of the group stages
- Fast forward to now, when Arsenal made a quick move for the defender who was also drawing the interest of other clubs around Europe, including Juventus, Borussia Dortmund along with AC Milan, and West Ham this past summer.
Play
For Spezia, Kiwior has played on the left side of a back-3, which will obviously be a different role than the one he takes up at Arsenal. He is a defender that is rigid in his approach, doesn’t tend to wander unless he has to, makes the simple plays, and distributes quickly to assure momentum remains with his side.
His main weakness has to do with his big frame. In 1v1 situations, he can sometimes be exposed by those with a lower center of gravity than him, or with more agility. While this may prove to be the case, I believe this to be another smart piece of business from Arsenal. It’s that same big frame that provides him with a big advantage in duels. Being 6 feet and 2 inches tall certainly comes with its perks when playing in central defense.
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Having played in midfield earlier in his career, he might also be able to offer Arteta and Arsenal a bit of versatility, should the need arise. However unlikely that scenario is, it should be comforting to know Kiwior does have the experience higher up the pitch.
For his age, he reads the game very well and looks like he could develop into a starter in the future. Kiwior is somebody that has been dubbed “The next Vincent Kompany”, which certainly comes with high expectations even given the injuries sustained by the former Manchester City captain.
Thoughts?
Arsenal fans, what do you think of your newest signing?
- Kiwior was then poached by Belgian club Anderlecht for their academy