When Oleksandr Zinchenko disappeared down the tunnel in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Liverpool at the start of February, there was understandable concern from supporters about the incoming replacement.

On came Jakub Kiwior, and such has been the quality of his performances, fans have quickly forgotten about how injury-hit Arsenal are in defence. 

With Jurrien Timber sidelined since the opening day of the season, and both Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu struggling for fitness in recent weeks, the door has been left open for the Polish defender to make the position his own.

A string of fine displays have led to genuine conversations as to whether Kiwior should remain in the side when the aforementioned players return.

It has long since been felt that his role in the squad was to act as cover for Gabriel in the left-sided centre back position.

However, in pre-season he operated several times at left back and inverted, like Zinchenko, to offer additional support in the middle of the park. At this stage, it looked as if this may have been the plan for him all along. 

He started the season on the bench, and despite starting against Fulham in the third game of the season, he has largely had to make do with short cameo appearances.

Since being brought on against Liverpool though, he has, through necessity, played every minute. It is his growing confidence however that has caught the eye. 

When previously watching him operate at left back, he hasn’t quite looked like he belongs. Often looking like a central defender being deployed as a full back, the phrase square peg in a round hole sprang to mind.

Now though, he looks like a player who belongs among this squad, and perhaps most significantly, as someone who can provide the much needed depth in defence. 

It is his attacking prowess that has really impressed though. In his last five games, he has scored once, and contributed three assists; most recently for Gabriel Martinelli on Monday night against Sheffield United. He is very much a man in form. 

Kiwior now appears to fit into the mold of player that Arteta craves; an individual who can operate in multiple areas and spaces. 

If truth be told, his opportunities would have likely been limited had Arsenal not been hit with such an extensive injury list at the back.

Timber started the season as first choice, but found his Arsenal career quickly derailed by an ACL injury. Then factor in Zinchenko and Tomiyasu, and it’s clear that Kiwior is probably the fourth choice in that position. 

Arteta, though, clearly saw something in Kiwior when he brought him to the club.

He will likely have all of his defenders available to him in the coming weeks, which will no doubt give him a selection headache. 

If working from a place of meritocracy, it is difficult to look beyond Kiwior.