UEFA Europa League 2018/19 : Top 3 players from Arsenal vs FC Vorskla Poltava

#2. Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Sokratis was solid in the back and confidently carried the ball forward as well

When Sven Mislintat brought in the third Borussia Dortmund player in 30-year-old Sokratis Papastathopoulos to Arsenal since his employment to the London club, many doubts were raised. Although £15 million was seen as a bargain for an experienced centre-back by some, some Arsenal fans saw him as a slow and ageing player who wouldn't be able to keep up with the pace of the Premier League.

But Sven Mislintat once again proved why he is called 'the golden eye' as Sokratis has adapted well to The Premier League and is already proving to be a force to reckon with. After his strong performance against Newcastle alongside shaky centre-back partner Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis was set to prove his worth in the Europa League as well.

Starting alongside youngster Rob Holding, Sokratis was phenomenal against Vorskla. Not only was he recovering the ball but he also successfully carried the ball from defence to midfield on several occasions.

He was never beaten on any one-on-ones and won most, if not all, aerial duels. The Greek international was vocal and assisted young Rob Holding in the English defender's first start for the team.

After all these stunning and solid performances from Sokratis, he will certainly be handed the starting position for the rest of the season while fellow centre-back Shkodran Mustafi will mostly be replaced by returning captain, Laurent Koscielny. The partnership of Koscielny and Sokratis is something all Arsenal fans cannot wait to see.