Alonso asserts that Arsenal currently possesses one of the finest warriors today.

01/11/2025 12:35:00 GameGladiator

Xabi Alonso expressed special admiration for Piero Hincapie, the Ecuadorian defender recently joining Arsenal, referring to him as a “genuine warrior” even though he has only started one match this season.

Arsenal secured eight new signings during the summer transfer window, with Piero Hincapie being one of them. The Ecuadorian defender arrived at Emirates on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, as Mikel Arteta sought to strengthen the defense following Jakub Kiwior’s move to Porto. Although he has only made one official start, Hincapie quickly caught attention thanks to his composed style of play and confidence in every action.

Xabi Alonso, who previously coached Hincapie at Leverkusen, openly expressed his pride when talking about his former player. “I hold him in high regard. Coaching him was an honor. Piero is a modern defender, highly adaptable, and has an excellent ability to read the game.”

Under Alonso’s leadership, Hincapie played 121 matches and played a key role in winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga title

During Alonso’s tenure, Hincapie appeared in a total of 121 games for Leverkusen and contributed significantly to their Bundesliga championship in the 2023/24 season. That period helped the Ecuadorian defender refine himself, becoming the type of player Alonso believes can succeed in the Premier League.

“He is more confident on the ball now, has improved his decision-making, and can deliver precise diagonal passes. To me, he is not just a defensive leader; he is a real warrior.”

The relationship between Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta also played a crucial role in this transfer. Both hail from the Basque region, were teammates at Real Sociedad, and maintain a close friendship. Before deciding to sign Hincapie, Arteta consulted his old friend directly.

Although he has only started once, Hincapie is regarded as a “silent weapon” in Arteta’s long-term plans

“Yes, definitely, I spoke with Alonso,” Arteta revealed. “I have great trust in him. I have been following Hincapie for a while, and what Alonso said only strengthened my belief that this is a player who can adapt and grow at Arsenal.”

Currently, Arsenal leads the Premier League and is performing impressively in the Champions League. Although Hincapie has had limited playing time, Arteta still considers him a strategic asset for the busy winter period when the team competes on multiple fronts.

The high praise from Xabi Alonso partly shows that Arsenal has invested wisely. At 22, Piero Hincapie has a long future ahead to prove he deserves the title of “warrior” bestowed by the Spanish coach. With his strong fighting spirit and continuous development, the Ecuadorian defender promises to soon become a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s long-term strategy.

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