Initially, his positioning left him stuck in awkward situations. Whether that being too square on to properly defend a cross or unable to properly attack down the flank, he just didn't seem to fit as that piece to Arteta's puzzle.
Against Leicester, however, the 27-year-old had a much stronger grasp of how he could leave a positive mark on the role. Rather than playing as a defender waiting fires to extinguish on the back foot, defending on the front foot suited Kolasinac much more.
Stepping into midfield to meet loose passes, positioned more to an angle than he was previously, and more willing to break forward, he produced arguably his best post-lockdown performance. As the man hunting the danger next to David Luiz, he done a great job of making his colleague's job easier, making three interceptions and winning a joint match-high four aerial duels.
In his time at the club, Kolasinac has been better known for his attacking prowess than his defensive ability. Although he has demonstrated this approach may be the way forward when defending from centre-back, if he wants to burst forward like he did in the second half, he will have Kieran Tierney to cover him if needed.
It may have taken some time, and it may not be ideal, but losing his preferred left-footed centre-back through injury, Arteta may finally have found how to get the best out of Kolasinac in that role.
Source: London.com
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