As Manchester City clinch a crucial 2-1 away win in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Paris-Saint Germain, many supporters have been blown away by the performance of Oleksandr Zinchenko after he came on with half an hour remaining.
Pep Guardiola’s men fought back bravely from 1-0 down in the first period after Marquinhos gave PSG a deserved early lead, with City struggling to cope with them at times at the Parc des Princes.
However, over the next 45 minutes, City stamped their authority on proceedings and started to dominate in what was a memorable Champions League night for Sky Blues.
Kevin De Bruyne’s curling delivery found it’s way past Keylor Navas and into the corner for a deserved equaliser and Riyad Mahrez gifted City the lead soon after with an acute free-kick through the PSG wall.
One man who many supporters thought went ‘under the radar’ is Zinchenko, and it’s not surprising given he largely mitigated the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria upon his introduction.
He also notched an assist for De Bruyne, won all of his ground duels and managed the best match rating out of any City defender (SofaScore) – including Ruben Dias.
As a result, City fans have been blown away – find all of their best verdicts down below.
Man City fans blown away by Zinchenko
“His performance is going under the radar”
Credit: @Priceless_Silva
“So underrated and disrespected by our fan base. Was brilliant when he came on had great season too”
Credit: @L97ANDERSON
“All credit goes to pep for that substitution. Changed the entire game. Cancelo was awful tonight and Zinchenko had a masterclass. He must start next week”
Credit: @MCFCelliott17
“Zinchenko is a master at the basics he’ll never get noticed cuz he keeps it simple but hes so good at keepin the game simple and his work rate is always top tier”
Credit: @joaocancel
“Most underrated player on the team”
Credit: @US_MCFCfan
“Zinchenko coming on won us the game, without a doubt. Immense footballer”
Credit: @Raheem7ii
“Zinchenko when he came on was unbelievable”
Credit: @MCFC_Andy10
“He’s such a tidy player. His passing accuracy is outstanding.”
Credit: @CTIDBen
In other news: Man City fans flock to this contract claim, find out more here.
