Arsenal told they are a ‘better team’ when £110k-a-week ace starts after Liverpool

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Jorginho was afforded a rare Premier League start as Arsenal hosted Liverpool on Sunday.

Midfield veteran Jorginho played a key role for Arsenal against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners absolutely dominated the opening period against Jurgen Klopp’s league leaders, and Jorginho played a huge role in helping his side take control of the match.

Patrolling the middle of the park alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, the former Chelsea man produced a player of the match display, as the Gunners earned a momentous 3-1 victory. The win catapulted Mikel Arteta’s side back into the heat of title race, as they ended the night just two points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table.

The 32-year-old was the picture of composure as he moved the ball around fluidly in the middle of the park. He was also unafraid to progress possession, picking his moments perfectly to fire passes between the lines to his more attack-minded teammates.

As Liverpool grew into the game after the break, Jorginho remained a beacon of calm, as he called upon all of his experience to ensure that he was regularly well-positioned defensively to interrupt the Reds’ attacking moves.

How much more does Jorginho have to offer Arsenal?

Telegraph reporter Sam Dean believes that Jorginho made a strong case against Liverpool for more regular involvement in the starting XI. Writing on X, he said, “increasingly convinced that Arsenal are a better team when Jorginho is in their midfield.”

There is no doubt that Arteta values what Jorginho brings to his squad, as he has previously credited the player with being one of the most “intelligent” that he has ever worked with. 

However, the midfielder’s future at the Emirates Stadium is in considerable doubt. Jorginho’s agent has already confessed that talks over a new contract at the club have reached a “standstill.” As things stand, the 50-cap Italy international will be out of contract in the summer, though the Gunners do have a one-year extension clause that they are yet to trigger. 

If Jorginho can show that he has more performances like the one he produced against Liverpool in him, then Arteta will surely be desperate to keep him at the club.

There is no reason to expect that Jorginho is on the verge of a dramatic decline. Whilst the £110,000-a-week ace is undeniably in the twilight years of his career, he is not a player who has ever relied upon his pace or physicality. Jorginho’s greatest attributes, such as his awareness, composure, and maturity are unlikely to desert him any time soon.