Mikel Arteta names surprise Arsenal star as ‘the most intelligent’ he’s ever worked with

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now claimed that one member of his current squad is among the most intelligent he’s ever worked with.

Arteta’s side face a huge test when facing Brighton Hove Albion today, a side that have proved to be a ‘bogey’ team in the past for Arsenal.

And ahead of the game, the Arsenal boss was praising midfielder Jorginho for his exceptional football brain.

Arteta said that Arsenal’s Jorginho was so intelligent, a player capable of analysing the team’s collective performance in real-time.

And that obviously fed into the idea that the Italian could go on to be a coach himself.

Speaking via The Times, Arteta said: “If he wants to [be a coach], he has every quality to do so. He’s one of the most intelligent players that I have coached, for sure. 

“The detail he can go into to understand what is happening live, not individually, but what is actually happening live in the game, and how to correct it, and how he can attract the attention of his team-mates to listen to him and do what he is telling them to do, it’s really impressive.”

Of course, it certainly bodes well that Arsenal can call on a squad player with such knowledge and experience.

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s Jorginho is most intelligent player he’s worked with

Jorginho’s role in the starting eleven has actually slightly reduced in recent weeks.

Although he wore the captain’s armband against PSV Eindhoven, Declan Rice has now returned to a role in the pivot.

And ahead of this big test against Brighton, Mikel Arteta is expected to make changes again.

Brighton have been tough customers to overcome at The Emirates of late, and three points will have to be well earned. 

And although he may not start, Arteta will surely call on ‘intelligent’ Jorginho to help Arsenal throughout the game.

The festive period is now going to be a big team effort, Arsenal’s squad will be tested.

And it’ll certainly be interesting to see if Mikel Arteta does target any January additions similar to Jorginho this season.