Arsenal icon Ian Wright has praised Jakub Kiwior for stepping up and silencing his critics following a strong run of form in the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
Kiwior, 25, was thrust into the spotlight after a season-ending hamstring injury to Gabriel Magalhaes left Mikel Arteta without his first-choice centre-back. While the Polish defender has experienced a turbulent spell since joining Arsenal, Wright believes he’s finally “proving himself.”
“Ever since then, he’s been in and out,” Wright said on The Kelly & Wrighty Show, referencing Kiwior’s difficult outing against Bayern Munich last season. “For Gabriel Magalhaes to get injured, and Kiwior is the one we’re depending on — you’d worry. But he’s dealt with it unbelievably.”
Kiwior played every minute of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win over defending champions Real Madrid, delivering calm, composed displays next to William Saliba in both legs. He then helped the Gunners register their 12th Premier League clean sheet in a 4-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Despite early struggles — including being substituted at half-time after being run ragged by Leroy Sané in a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich last year — Wright believes Kiwior has matured under pressure.
“He might have made a couple of mistakes, but when we’ve needed him, he’s come through,” said Wright. “He’s proving he’s good enough to be there.”
Kiwior’s Rise Amid Arsenal’s European Push
With Riccardo Calafiori unavailable and questions surrounding Arsenal’s defensive depth, Kiwior’s resurgence has been timely. He’s expected to retain his place in the starting XI when Arsenal face Crystal Palace on Wednesday, and then again in the high-stakes Champions League semi-final clash with PSG.
Arsenal: A Rising Force in Europe
Beyond Kiwior’s form, Wright believes Arsenal’s impressive elimination of Real Madrid has elevated the club’s stature in Europe — and could influence transfer targets this summer.
“If I’m a player looking to come to the Premier League, seeing what Arsenal did to Madrid without a striker, a new left-back, or another midfielder — that makes Arsenal an attractive place,” Wright added.
He credits sporting director Andrea Berta’s arrival and Arteta’s vision as reasons for optimism:
“It feels like an exciting project. The Real Madrid tie set off alarm bells — this is a serious team. We just need patience.”
Arsenal continue to evolve under Arteta, and if Kiwior’s resurgence is any indicator, the Gunners’ squad depth is proving to be stronger than ever.