Jakub Kiwior’s decision to leave Arsenal for Porto has been described as the “right option” by Pavol Stano, the Slovak coach who first worked with the defender at Žilina.
Kiwior, 25, left on loan with an option to buy after just under three seasons in north London, where he made 68 appearances under Mikel Arteta.
For Stano, the move represents a necessary reset. “His big goal is to play more, to be more present on the pitch. FC Porto emerges as the right option for Kiwior.
“It will be a safe transition for those who never necessarily need adaptation or recovery. His mental aspect is always strong,” he told O Jogo.
Stano recalled Kiwior’s rise from Podbrezová to Žilina and on to Serie A with Spezia before Arsenal swooped. “Kiwior distinguished himself by being very hardworking, with great ethics. In every workout, he was focused one hundred percent.
“During his time with us, we were the team with the lowest average age in European competitions and he, nevertheless, became our silent leader,” he said.
He added that Porto were signing more than just a centre-back. “I think FC Porto are signing a centre-back, but with this knowledge he can also be a good left-back when he needs it. I would say that he is a defender naturally attracted to thinking as a striker, which makes him so capable as a left-back.”
Former team-mate at Žilina, Vahan Bichakhchyan, now at Legia Warsaw, echoed those sentiments. “I have no doubt, he deserves to stay at the top. And I think FC Porto is the right place. It will succeed.
“He’s a great lad who left us great memories, showed he could rise to a very high level,” he said. “He was very calm, understood the game very well, had a beautiful left foot and was fantastic with the ball.
“Always knows what to do, a typical left-footed centre, who exploited passes between the lines, had offensive balance and made great long passes diagonally. He was very aggressive.”
Bichakhchyan stressed that Porto were inheriting not only technical quality but character. “There was pride to see him at Arsenal, a smart defender, who controls himself and adapts to pressure. He keeps the ball beautifully, has personality on the pitch and has very strong mental preparation for games.
“Physically and mentally, he is a very complete player,” he said. “This change is fantastic for Kiwi, to play regularly. Having game time is the most important thing at this age. What I can assure you is that they hire a defender who is unphased when he comes out to play and is a real fighter.”
For Stano, who once faced Porto in the Champions League as an Artmedia player, there is little doubt how Kiwior will take to his new surroundings. “As I played in the Champions League against FC Porto, I know that Kiwior will love the club, the stadium and the city,” he added.