Piers Morgan has named unlikely Arsenal hero Oleksandr Zinchenko as his Player of the Season for the Premier League.
Deemed surplus to requirements at Man City, the Ukrainian has enjoyed a fantastic season with the Gunners, playing a big part in helping them open up a five-point lead at the top of the table.
It was Zinchenko’s fantastic assist for Bukayo Saka, which helped break down a dogged Everton side on Wednesday, before they cruised to a 4-0 victory.
Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan has hailed the impact that Zinchenko has made since arriving at the club last summer.
He told talkSPORT: ‘For me, potentially along with Saka and (Martin) Odegaard, the player of the season for us and maybe the Premier League has been Zinchenko.
‘Pep Guardiola said he was surplus to requirements. His heat map last night is absolutely insane. That guy was supposed to be left-back and he was absolutely everywhere.’
Come full-time on Wednesday night, no player had made more key passes than Zinchenko (two). No one had more touches than the Ukrainian – his tally of 110 was more than double that of any Everton player.
Only William Saliba (108) made more passes than Zinchenko (95) and, as Arsenal enjoyed nearly three quarters of possession, the 26-year-old spent most of his time in midfield, controlling the game, conducting Arsenal’s attack.
The 26-year-old was part of four title-winning teams at Man City, who were prepared to let both him and Gabriel Jesus leave to join Arsenal.
Both those sales could potentially backfire on the reigning champions, with Jesus and Zinchenko playing big parts in Arsenal’s success this season.
Zinchenko struggled with knee and calf injuries at the start of the campaign but has been an ever-present when available – making 22 appearances in all competitions with one goal and two assists.
