Arsenal reserve defender Mavropanos is expected to make his first start of the season one day after supporters have called him "better than van Dijk" for his incredible low pass.

KONSTANTINOS MAVROPANOS must make his first start of the season for Arsenal against Cardiff tonight, after this superb whistling pbad has called it "better than Van Dijk".

The 21-year-old Greek central defender seems ready to fill the void left by the injured Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

Arsenal FC

Greek compatriot Mavropanos was injured in the FA Cup 3-1 defeat against Manchester United last Friday.

And although the Gunners appear in the middle of a crisis in the center back – with Laurent Koscielny also in the badault – Mavropanos seems to get back into shape at the right time. Here is the expected starting line of Arsenal.

A clip released by Arsenal yesterday showed Mavropanos' incredible pbad to training.

He receives the ball in his half of the field, pushes the elbow and then releases a curved pbad sent with the outside of his right ankle.

Arsenal FC

Arsenal FC

He lands right at the feet of his teammate on the wing.

And Arsenal supporters – perhaps slightly skewed in their judgment – were convinced that their player was better than Liverpool 's defense giant, Virgil van Dijk.

One of them said: "Mavropanos is better than Van Dijk."

Another user confirmed the statement in these terms: "It is therefore true that even the blind can see their differences in skills."

Getty – Contributor

And another added: "Mavropanos to start please."

Unai boss Emery confirmed that Mavropanos – who had signed for Arsenal last January – was in the squad.

He said: "Mavropanos has been working with us for a month and plays with the under-23. He is in the team with the opportunity to play."