Jorginho is one of the most experienced figures in the Arsenal dressing room, and has plenty of insight to offer.
Mikel Arteta certainly values what the Italian veteran brings to the table at the Emirates Stadium, even if he can no longer start matches week in, week out at this stage in his career.
In the past, Arteta has called Jorginho the most intelligent player he has ever worked with, and the 32-year-old is well-respected and listened to by his Arsenal teammates. He is also part of the leadership group within the club.
On top of that, Jorginho has mentored Declan Rice at Arsenal before, and helped the former West Ham United man to find his feet in North London and elevate his game.
Jorginho on the best position for Declan Rice
Rice is a lynchpin for the Gunners in the middle of the park, and has excelled in a more attacking role since making the switch to Arsenal.
Since his arrival at the club, the 25-year-old has played most of his football as a left-eight, alongside Martin Odegaard and just behind the striker. The likes of Thomas Partey, or Jorginho himself, have then been trusted with a more defensive role at the base of the midfield.
There is an argument that Rice is best-suited to playing as a defensive midfielder, operating as a No. 6 and screening the backline.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Jorginho has shared his thoughts on that matter.
He said: ”I think Dec has so much quality….in other areas [as well]. But because then you see him playing on the number eight and you see how much he runs and how much he gets the ball back in the high press of the pitch, that if you get the ball there, you are in front of the goal. And he arrives in the box, he has the goal and he has the timing to get in the box.
“So I’m not sure. Like he’s so good in both that I don’t know if he’s… I honestly, I was speaking to him the other week and like… I was like, I’m not sure. I’m not sure what’s like the best for… He can do both easily.”
Whilst Rice can function in both roles, Arteta needs to have a long-term plan for where he sees him excelling most and must stick to it. That will allow him to build the rest of his team around the England star.
What Rice is like behind the scenes at Arsenal
Rice hit the ground running upon his arrival at Arsenal and hasn’t looked back since. Clearly a confident figure, he appeared to feel at home in North London very quickly.
He will have encountered a welcoming atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, and Jorginho has given an insight into how comfortably Rice slots in with the rest of the squad.
The former Chelsea man said: “He’s a good lad. Good fun. Yeah. He’s a really, really nice guy. Has his jokes and funny guy. And he gets along with everybody, honestly.
“The group, our group now is such a good, good, good group. Honestly, there is no problem between players, always joking around and messing about. And that’s the good atmosphere. You go there, it’s a pleasure to be there, you know. It’s really good.”
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
