Jakub Kiwior has been earning rave reviews in Portugal after an imperious start to life on loan at FC Porto, where his composure has already made him a standout figure.
The 25-year-old Polish international, who joined Porto from Arsenal on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for €17 million, has made five appearances so far, and his numbers are impressive.
Porto have won every game, have yet to concede a goal with him on the pitch, and, perhaps most remarkably, Kiwior has not committed a single foul in 450 minutes of football.
Portuguese outlet A Bola describes him as “playing in a tuxedo”, a phrase used locally to praise players who perform with elegance and composure.
They praise his calm distribution, aerial dominance and positional discipline, saying it has given Porto a defensive authority that was missing before his arrival.
“Kiwior’s passing is impeccable, his anticipation excellent, and his timing immaculate,” the report noted, praising his ability to launch attacks from deep and control the tempo from the back.
His left-footed balance has also allowed Porto to play more fluidly in possession, with his range of passing repeatedly highlighted as one of the key reasons for the team’s new-found rhythm.
Since his debut in the narrow home win over Nacional da Madeira, Kiwior has started and finished every match, including victories over Rio Ave and Arouca and a draw with Benfica in the league as well as Salzburg in the Europa League. Their defensive record speaks for itself, but it is the composure, control and maturity of his game that have drawn admiration.
Kiwior looks completely at home in Portugal, and if his current form continues, Porto’s €17 million obligation already looks like it will be one of the bargains of next summer.