As is often the case when he’s given a chance for Arsenal, Jorginho has recently reminded supporters in N5 of just how effective he still can be at 32-years-old.
Jorginho was needed from the off for Arsenal against West Ham United given Thomas Partey’s injury, and perhaps he could also feature against Manchester United.
Despite their excellent form since the international break, Arsenal are yet to close the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, who are still nine points ahead.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 13 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 26 | 8 | 18 | 34 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 26 | 14 | 12 | 25 |
| 3 |  ChelseaChelsea | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 26 | 14 | 12 | 25 |
Of course, as he was against West Ham, Kai Havertz will be vital in overcoming United on Wednesday – a forward who’s already netted nine goals in all competitions so far this season.
Jorginho shares what he told Kai Havertz when things were rough at Arsenal
That being said, when speaking on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast, Jorginho took a moment to reflect on Havertz’s ill-treatment when he first arrived in north London.
Although he’s now universally loved by the Arsenal fan base, many supporters and pundits were once very critical of the former Chelsea player, who took some time to adjust to Arteta’s demands.
Speaking with Rio Ferdinand, Jorginho recalled the advice that he gave to Havertz, a player he always knew would come good.
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Jorginho said: “It’s crazy because he’s just an unbelievable player. At the beginning when people was hammering him, I was like, these people, what are they talking about?
“I was like – is this really happening? I can’t believe it. I was like, oh my days. And then actually I went to Kai a few times and I was like, Kai, don’t listen, forget about it.
“You know what, you can do it. This is crazy. And how much he helps the team, the way he plays.
“And for me, the big improvement he had since he came to the Premier League is how tougher he’s getting every day. He’s getting tougher and tougher. And now he’s at this place that is unbelievable.
“The confidence he has, the confidence that he gives to the team as well. And he’s so clever.
“He puts his body always in the same, in the best positions. He always gives a solution and he finds solutions in situations that you don’t believe he’s going to come out of or he’s just, he’s a baller. He’s like a big one.”
Why did Kai Havertz get so much better at Arsenal?
When he first arrived at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta envisioned Havertz as his new left-sided number eight – his Granit Xhaka replacement.
However, it quickly became clear that the role wasn’t best-suited to the German, who then thrived in a more advanced role.
Arteta then used Havertz as more of a false nine, a position that has developed into a more traditional number nine role with time.
And although strikers will usually score more often than midfielders, the difference in Havertz’s numbers in the two roles is quite staggering.
| Position | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Centre-forward | 34 | 15 | 8 |
| Attacking midfield | 33 | 6 | 0 |
A much better fit for a player who no longer has to listen to criticism, a crucial cog in this Arsenal winning machine.
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