Jakub Kiwior may not grab headlines or trend after every match, but his value to Arsenal’s squad shouldn’t be underestimated. As the backup to what many now call the best centre-back duo in world football: William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, Kiwior has quietly accepted his role and delivered when it mattered most.
Yet despite his reliability, sections of the fanbase continue to push for a flashy replacement. The obsession with new names often overlooks players who have already proven their worth. Kiwior is one of them.
Kiwior stepped up when Arsenal needed him most
Last season, during a stretch where injuries and fixture congestion forced rotation, Kiwior stepped into the XI and performed calmly under pressure. Whether asked to slot in as a left-footed centre-back or even at full-back, he rarely looked out of place. That level of composure, especially in big games is rare for a backup defender.
His performances against physical sides and in cup matches showed exactly why Arteta trusts him. Kiwior reads the game well, is comfortable on the ball, and keeps mistakes to a minimum. He might not be a highlight-reel player, but he gives you 7/10 when the team needs him most and that’s gold in a long season.
Squad depth is about reliability, not just hype
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There’s a dangerous trend among some supporters: assuming every bench spot needs to be filled by a superstar. But elite squads are built on balance. For every flashy signing, there must be players like Kiwior: intelligent, disciplined, and fully bought into the system without demanding the spotlight.
Arteta’s trust in Kiwior hasn’t changed. Neither has the defender’s attitude. While others might chase game time elsewhere, Kiwior remains locked in, prepared, and professional. That’s exactly the mentality needed from players fighting for titles on multiple fronts.
Author Opinion
Instead of looking to replace Kiwior, Arsenal fans should recognise what they already have: a dependable, technically sound defender who elevates squad depth without disrupting it. These are the players that keep seasons alive when injuries hit. Not every hero wears a starter tag and Kiwior’s quality off the bench could prove vital yet again.
