Legendary former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has now revealed what he makes of seeing Declan Rice and Jorginho playing in the middle of the park together.
Both Declan Rice and Jorginho were in fine form as Arsenal thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night.
Rice has been a revelation for the Gunners since his arrival from West Ham United in the recent summer transfer window. Against Newcastle, the 25-year-old was able to take up a slightly more advanced midfield position, thanks to the presence of Jorginho behind him.
The 32-year-old was stationed at the base of Mikel Arteta’s midfield trio. Arsenal fans were seriously impressed by Jorginho’s performance against the Magpies. His experience, composure, and ability to read the game meant that the north London club were protected from potential counter-attacks.
The former Chelsea man was equally impressive on the ball. With one particularly eye-catching pass he was able pick out the run of Gabriel Martinelli in the build up to Kai Havertz’s goal. Plenty of Chelsea fans now feel that it was a mistake to let Jorginho join Arsenal in the first place.
Rice made the most of being higher up the pitch, too. The England international pressed smartly, forcing numerous turnovers of possession in Newcastle’s own defensive third. In the first half especially, this allowed Arsenal to keep the visitors penned into their own territory.
Ian Wright raves over Declan Rice and Jorginho partnership at Arsenal
Jorginho and Rice have proven to be an incredibly effective partnership. This is not the first time that the duo have impressed together. The pair played in concert from the start of the match in the recent 3-1 win against Liverpool too, and on that occasion they were also both excellent.
Arsenal icon Ian Wright has now waxed lyrical about what Rice and Jorginho bring to the team when they share the pitch. Speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast, the north London outfit’s former all-time leading goalscorer said, “we’re so much better with them two in the pivot.”
“Jorginho, for me, and the way that he, I don’t know, if it’s the way that he’s constant, he’s a metronome in there… Him being there makes me feel better, rather than just being Declan, then Kai, and Martin. Him being there, for some reason, gives us that something else what makes me feel just a little bit more, my blue blanket, I feel more comfortable.”
Given his age, Arteta cannot call upon Jorginho to start every match, week in, week out, across all competitions. However, the veteran has demonstrated his enduring quality and proven that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Equally, Jorginho has adopted something of a mentoring role with Rice, which will help the summer signing to reach his full potential.
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