Squad number: 35
Season’s stats - Total appearances: 29
Premier League appearances:14
Total Premier League passes: 1,184
Premier League tackles: 34
Premier League goals: 0
Total goals: 1
Total assists: 5
WATCH: Chairman’s interview | Part One
READ: Internationals | Who’s playing where this summer?
Season’s highlight
There can be no doubt about Zinchenko’s high point: his man-of-the-match display in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
City won the competition for the fourth time in six years, making it two pieces of silverware for the season as we went on to complete a historic clean-sweep of English trophies in a single season.
He was superb that day, and it was fitting he should receive the man-of-the-match award in a competition he’d played every round of.
He looked so comfortable on the ball and thrived on the vast open spaces at Wembley, giving Chelsea a torrid time down the left.
Overview
It’s been a fine year for Zinchenko, a triumph of his determination and professionalism.
It’s no secret he almost left the Club last summer, with Wolves, an ambitious newly-promoted side, looking to add some quality to their ranks.
But Zinchenko asked to stay and fight for his place, a decision that proved inspired. With Benjamin Mendy once again suffering a long-term injury, Zinchencko became first-choice left-back – and his performances, particularly since the turn of the year, were superb.
His first touch is perhaps only bettered in the City squad by Bernardo Silva. His strength and defensive nous have improved dramatically. He gets forward to support attacks and has a superb range of passing. He’s become a model of consistency.
As is so often the case, Pep Guardiola perhaps best summed up Zinchenko’s contribution in February when he said: “Incredible is the only thing I can say.
“Oleks has showed me the importance and value of being a good guy.
“At the beginning of the season he was close to making a transfer, and I never saw him have one bad face or had a bad training session from him.
“Some players want to show me how disappointed they are, but Zinchenko is the complete opposite. When this happens, you are always going to play good.
“He is going to have a long career, here (at City) hopefully!
“I can only say thank you to him - everybody has to learn from Oleks! He deserves to be where he is.”
Zinchenkjo deserves huge credit for turning his fortunes around so drastically. He can now call himself a two-time Premier League winner and part of the first squad in history to win every major English trophy in a single season.
