One Arsenal midfielder now leads PL in impressive stat, he’s ahead of Rodri and Rice

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Arsenal star Jorginho has been outstanding in recent weeks, and has been a crucial factor in his side’s remarkable form.

Mikel Arteta’s team are flying in the Premier League, and could end this weekend at the top of the table if they beat Brentford and Liverpool draw with Manchester City.

Declan Rice has been excellent in this run of form, and is even chipping in with goals and assists, but his performances going forward have been facilitated by Jorginho’s passing ability from the base of midfield.

Jorginho is a favourite of Arteta’s because of his intelligence, experience and outstanding ability on the ball, and he is now leading the Premier League in one crucial stat.

Jorginho leads Premier League for progressive passes

A report from The Athletic has highlighted that this season, Jorginho is averaging 7.1 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

Progressive passes are passes which moves the ball 25% closer to goal, and with Arsenal playing a high line, this has been crucial to sustaining pressure, whilst also allowing Rice to play further forward.

Jorginho’s rate places him higher than anyone else in the Premier League. Manchester City star Rodri, widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in Europe, averages 6.6 progressive passes per 90, whilst Rice himself averages less than both.

Jorginho’s passing makes him invaluable to Arsenal

Although he may not need to start in every single game, Jorginho’s passing ability is perhaps the best in the Arsenal squad, and in big games, this is crucial.

The Italian has shone in games against Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle this season, and his composure helps Arsenal dominate the ball and control the tempo.

With Arsenal set to travel to the Etihad Stadium for a crucial game in the title race against Man City, Jorginho will likely start alongside Rice against Rodri, and help his side play through the press to attempt to secure a first win at City since 2015.

Jorginho’s future at Arsenal is unclear, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, but Arsenal are prepared to offer him a new deal, as they recognise just how much the former Chelsea star brings to the squad both on and off the pitch.

He should perhaps be rested for Arsenal’s match against Brentford, with an eye on Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Porto, where his experience as a winner of the competition will be vital.