“Can’t wait” Arsenal fans hope young defender makes Europa League start

Arsenal fans have been waiting patiently to watch Jakub Kiwior in action for the first team. He was one of three signings in the January window and diehard fans will have seen him play for the U21s, where he impressed with a great range of passing and work rate on and off the ball.

With the upcoming Europa League tie against Sporting, Arsenal fans think he’ll finally make his debut in this match. We all know Mikel Arteta likes to rotate his team in the Europa League and given the competition is secondary to their Premier League pursuit, I’d like to see Kiwior given the nod.

You’d expect to see some players on the fringe of first team football starting – for example Reiss Nelson, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Emile Smith Rowe – why not put Jakub Kiwior in as well?

After all, Arteta clearly sees something in him, otherwise he wouldn’t have signed him in January. Partnering him with Rob Holding in the centre of defence gives rest to William Saliba and Gabriel, both of which have worked tirelessly over the last couple of weeks to keep the Gunners’ title hops afloat.

Sporting is a difficult match and shouldn’t be overlooked. However, it’s a fixture Arsenal can overcome comfortably. Jakub Kiwior is a great player and it’s often in these competitions where young players make their breakthrough into the first team – it happened with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli – look at them now.

Arsenal fans really want Jakub Kiwior to start against Sporting

Arsenal fans on Twitter are all encouraging Mikel Arteta to start Kiwior in this match. Let’s see some of their reasoning…

This Arsenal fan cannot wait.

Detective fans are at it again.

For rotation reasons, this fan thinks Kiwior’s start is necessary.

Kiwior did impress in the academy match.

This fan would prefer to see Kiwior used as a sub – could be a smart shout.

Would you like to see Jakub Kiwior get his Arsenal debut against Sporting?