Konstantinos Mavropanos might be a commentator’s nightmare, but he’s also a quality young defender. The Greek stopper has spent a long time injured this season, but he returned to the pitch last night and shone as Arsenal recorded their first away Premier League sheet of the season against Watford, and the fans loved it.
What did you make of Mavropanos’ game today?
— LTArsenal (@ltarsenal) 15 April 2019
The 21-year-old centre-half was one of Arsene Wenger’s final signings at The Emirates, joining the club in January 2018 from PAS Giannina for a reported fee of £1.8 million and it seems that even in his final months as the Arsenal boss Wenger had one eye on the future of the club. That’s now coming good, as Unai Emery will be set to rely on the defender now that he’s shown what he can do when fit.
After recovering from a groin strain, Mavropanos played his first Premier League minutes of the season at The Etihad in a 3-1 loss, coming off the bench for the last 11 minutes. Then there was last night. The youngster started at the heart of Emery’s defence and lasted 59 minutes before being hooked, most probably because of his lack of match sharpness. Next season looks like it will be the one where the youngster thrives and really makes his mark, and the fans were mightily impressed last night.
You can read the Gunners’ verdict on Mavropanos’ display here:
He had a very decent performance, glad for him
— The Arsenal Review (@thearsreview) 15 April 2019
He did well considering he hasn’t played for a long time. Hopefully he gradually improves and reaches his ceiling
— (@MatteoSZN_) 15 April 2019
He looked good enough for a first time out in 11 months. Very excited for his future!
— Prime Gooner (@YaGunnersYa5) 15 April 2019
https://twitter.com/olumide_ot/status/1117897678422102016
Shaky at the start but was brilliant overall
— tanee (@martins_tani) April 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/Kabiryungdollar/status/1117898091821056000
I been liking him, I love him now!
— τ. (@KwekuBiisco) 16 April 2019
https://twitter.com/jake325is/status/1118025884177510401
Despite some obvious nerves and rustiness, Mavropanos was absolutely sublime given the circumstances last night, and the fans will be keen to see even more from the young defender in the final weeks.
