Zinchenko was in Mahrez's top three Man City teammates before Arsenal transfer

The Ukrainian arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016 and rose through the ranks to become a valuable part of Pep Guardiola's plans.

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After making 128 appearances for City, Zinchenko opted to make the move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window as he looked to play more of a key role with one of the Premier League's biggest clubs.

He wasn't the only City star to move to north London with Gabriel Jesus also making the move.

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Mahrez's former Leicester City teammate Danny Simpson was a guest on Kick-Off and spoke about the progress the Gunners are making under Mikel Arteta and stated that his friend believed that Zinchenko was one of City's most talented stars.

Discussing Arsenal's season, Simpson said: "They've started really well. Saliba's been fantastic. Partey, Xhaka - look at where he was and where he is now. It's been a complete turnaround.

"Jesus - I knew he was going to be fantastic - and Zinchenko. I spoke to Riyad Mahrez and Zinchenko was in his top three of players and their ability at Manchester City.

"And we know how good the players are at City. He was gutted they lost Jesus but he understood why.

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"Them two players and their winning mentality has added something to that group."

Mahrez isn't the first player to give Zinchenko such plaudits either, with Kyle Walker telling YouTuber Timbsy exactly the same thing, putting the Ukrainian alongside Mahrez and Bernardo Silva.

Walker said: "He's incredible… he's incredible. Two touches, head tennis, he's so good, so so good. But then you're leaving out the likes of [Kevin] De Bruyne, Phil Foden, [Jack] Grealish, [Joao] Cancelo.

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"But they don't come close to those three."