Football, as a game that thrives on performance, talent, and form, is one where every decision made by a coach can alter the future of a player’s career. One such player whose future at Arsenal seems increasingly uncertain is Jakub Kiwior, the Polish defender who has recently found himself sidelined in Mikel Arteta’s evolving squad. This has drawn criticism and concern from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who believes that the manager has “done” with Kiwior and that the player’s time at the club may now be over.
Arsenal currently sits in second place in the Premier League, eight points behind Liverpool, who are yet to lose a match and have played one game fewer than Arteta’s side. While Arsenal’s season has had its share of impressive moments, they have been hampered by a series of draws—eight in total—that have prevented them from closing the gap on Liverpool. With only two losses in the league so far, Arteta’s tactical decisions have garnered praise for their overall progress and the way they have adapted to various challenges, but some decisions have also raised eyebrows.
A series of injuries have certainly played a role in these struggles, particularly the long-term absences of key players such as Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, two players who have been central to Arsenal’s attacking play. More recently, French defender William Saliba, a cornerstone of the defense, suffered an injury that has left Arteta with few choices in terms of personnel at the back. While Saliba’s absence is worrying, there appears to be hope as reports indicate he is nearing a return to full fitness, which is good news for both the team and Arteta.
However, one player who has increasingly been overlooked despite Arsenal’s injury woes is Jakub Kiwior, a January 2023 signing who arrived with a £20m price tag but has struggled to find a consistent spot in the starting lineup. This lack of opportunities, particularly in a time of defensive injuries, has drawn attention, especially from Arsenal legends like Ian Wright.
Kiwior’s situation at Arsenal is both perplexing and worrying. The young defender, who had shown promise during his time in Serie A with Spezia, was brought to the Emirates with high expectations. However, since his arrival, his minutes have been sporadic at best. Despite Arsenal’s injury crisis, particularly in defense, Kiwior has seen little action on the pitch. He has been an unused substitute in the last seven Premier League matches, and this has raised significant concern among fans and pundits alike.
In the wake of Saliba’s injury, Arteta opted for unusual defensive changes against Aston Villa. Instead of giving Kiwior a chance to step in and potentially fill the void left by Saliba, Arteta played Thomas Partey at right-back and Jurien Timber, who had only recently recovered from his own injury, at right centre-back. This move, while showcasing Arteta’s flexibility and tactical ingenuity, has also highlighted the manager’s lack of trust in Kiwior.
For a player who was signed with the intention of bolstering Arsenal’s defense, Kiwior’s exclusion from key matches during a period when defensive reinforcements were most needed has raised questions. Arteta’s preference for reshuffling his existing players rather than integrating Kiwior into the starting XI suggests that the Polish international’s time in North London might be coming to a close
Ian Wright, a club legend and someone who has consistently been vocal about Arsenal’s on-field matters, did not hold back when discussing Kiwior’s predicament. During a recent episode of The Kelly and Wrighty Show, Wright expressed his concerns for the 24-year-old’s future at the club. He was unequivocal in his assessment, saying, “If you’re Kiwior right now, you’re probably thinking it’s done.”
Wright’s words struck a chord because they reflect the reality that many footballers face in top-flight clubs like Arsenal—where competition for places is fierce, and managers often have to make decisions based on form and trust. Kiwior’s lack of involvement in recent matches, even with the team struggling with injuries, points to the fact that Arteta may not see him as a viable option at this stage.
The former Arsenal striker also alluded to the fact that Kiwior’s chances of regaining Arteta’s trust would likely depend on how he performs in upcoming competitions. With Arsenal set to qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, Kiwior could potentially be given an opportunity to prove himself. Arteta may look to rotate his squad and provide more chances for players who have been on the fringes of the first team, and Kiwior’s involvement in these matches could be crucial for his future at the club.
Wright also made several observations regarding Arteta’s tactical decisions in the absence of Saliba. For instance, against Villa, Arteta opted to shift Thomas Partey to right-back and brought in Jurien Timber to play as a right centre-back, even though this was a somewhat makeshift solution. Wright, known for his perceptiveness when it comes to Arsenal’s tactical setups, expressed disappointment with these choices, suggesting that he would have preferred Arteta to use Declan Rice at right centre-back and place Timber at right-back.
The reasoning behind Wright’s suggestion is clear: Declan Rice, with his composure and intelligence in possession, could have been a more natural fit in the centre of defense. Meanwhile, Timber, who had previously excelled as a versatile defender, would have been more effective on the right side of the defense. While Arteta’s decisions might have been based on match-specific tactics, the overarching message is that Kiwior, despite his skill set, was overlooked in favor of more experienced and versatile players.
For Jakub Kiwior, this season has been one of missed opportunities. The 24-year-old was initially brought in to provide depth and cover for Arsenal’s defense, but as the season has progressed, it has become clear that Arteta has favored other options. Despite this, Kiwior has not given up hope, as evidenced by his recent start in the Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, where he managed to get some much-needed game time. The European competition may provide him with the platform to showcase his abilities and potentially earn a more prominent role in Arteta’s plans moving forward.
However, Kiwior’s Arsenal career could be reaching a crossroads. If he continues to be relegated to the bench in the Premier League, he may consider seeking a move to a club where he can play regularly. The January transfer window is often a time when players in Kiwior’s position assess their futures, and it remains to be seen whether the defender will be patient or look for an exit in search of more playing time.
Mikel Arteta’s approach to squad rotation and player selection has always been built around trust and consistency. He has shown a willingness to give young players chances—take Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli, for example—all of whom have flourished under his guidance. However, Arteta’s loyalty to certain players and his refusal to trust others can sometimes create a sense of imbalance within the squad.
Kiwior’s case is indicative of a broader issue: the fine line between squad depth and player loyalty. When a player like Kiwior, who was signed for a significant fee, isn’t trusted to feature in important matches, it can create a rift in the relationship between the coach and player. At the same time, Arteta must make choices that keep Arsenal competitive in both domestic and European competitions, and sometimes that means prioritizing more experienced players.
As Arsenal navigates the rest of the season, the question remains: will Jakub Kiwior be part of Arteta’s plans moving forward, or is his time at the club coming to an end? Much will depend on his performances in the Champions League and how Arteta views his role in the team. If Kiwior impresses in these fixtures, he could yet play a more prominent part in Arsenal’s bid for silverware. But if Arteta continues to overlook him in favor of other players, Kiwior may soon be looking for a new challenge elsewhere.
At the heart of this situation is the importance of trust. As Ian Wright pointed out, if Kiwior is being overlooked despite the team’s injury crisis, it’s a sign that Arteta has little faith in him for the big occasions. It is a harsh reality for a player who once showed so much promise, but football is a game of results, and Arteta’s decisions will ultimately shape the future of both his squad and individual players like Kiwio
