In Focus: All-rounder Zinchenko can inspire Italian Job for Ukraine

Oleksandr Zinchenko is inspiring Ukraine in more ways than one.

One of the most versatile players at the top of the game, Zinchenko's performances have given Ukraine a shot at qualifying for Euro 2024, while he continues to operate as a spokesperson for the war-torn nation.

His skills both on and off the pitch will be vital ahead of tonight's crucial qualifier against Italy. 

Gunners balance

Zinchenko's worth as a player is proved just as much in his absence as it is in his presence.

Manchester City struggled to find the right balance in defence when they sold him to Arsenal in 2022, eventually reshaping their backline so that it featured four centre-backs.

And Arsenal were less fluent in the Ukrainian's absence in the first three matches of this term.

The 26-year-old looks like he was born to play as an inverted full-back and his return to the side against Manchester United resulted in the Gunners' most controlled display of the season.  

All-rounder 

Effectively playing as a midfielder in defence for his club, Zinchenko is able to pick up his conventional central position for Ukraine fairly easily.

And his versatility was on show against England on Saturday when he burst into the box to put his side ahead with a strike worthy of a true goalscoring midfielder like Frank Lampard.

Club boss Mikel Arteta goes out of his way to praise the talent's professionalism, too.

He said earlier this year: "He's a player that gives us everything we want in that position and gives us versatility. 

"I would especially highlight his mentality — what he has brought is a real desire to win with this team."

National hero

Zinchenko is not just Ukraine's leader on the field but has taken on an ambassadorial role off it, too.

Amid the backdrop of war in his home country, the Arsenal maestro has led his side with class over the last 18 months.

And ahead of Saturday's match with England, forced to take place in Poland, he was outspoken on the situation that continues to prevent the team from playing at home.

He said: "It is impossible to say that it is going to be the same atmosphere as when we play in Ukraine, because when you play in Ukraine even the air is different.

"It is an amazing opportunity to talk out, to speak out, and personally I feel this is my duty. We need to speak out."

Vulnerable Italy

Qualifying for Euro 2024 in such tumultuous times would be a stunning achievement for Serhiy Rebrov's side.

Tuesday evening's game against a struggling Italy gives them the opportunity to seize control of their own destiny — and Zinchenko's track record in big matches suggests he could have a big say.

Ukraine's star man is rarely on the scoresheet but makes it count when he is. His last three international goals have been in the last 16 at Euro 2020, a crunch World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and against England on Saturday.

Another contribution in Milan on Tuesday would put Ukraine well on their way to next summer's Euros in Germany.