Arsecast host Andrew Mangan believes that Jorginho is now replicating something that Mikel Arteta used to do at Arsenal.
Jorginho has produced some fabulous performances in the middle of the park for Arsenal in recent weeks.
Against Newcastle United, last time out, the midfield veteran demonstrated his enduring class as he produced an expert performance. As he sat in the deepest-lying of the Gunners’ three midfield roles, he was able to dictate the pace of the game.
The 50-cap Italy international ensured that the north London club were able to maintain complete control of the match, and keep Newcastle penned-in in their own half, particularly in the first half. He did this by constantly being in the right place to snuff out any potential counter-attacks, and by recycling possession effectively.
Arsenal fans were amazed by the display Jorginho put in against the Magpies. He particularly caught the eye with his passing. The 32-year-old’s lofted ball over the top of the visitors’ back line to pick out the run being made by Gabriel Martinelli, in the build up to Kai Havertz’s goal, was an exceptional piece of playmaking.
Mikel Arteta clearly has huge faith in Jorginho. He often leans on his experience in big matches, where his composure and tactical intelligence make him a perfect foil for the physicality and industry provided by Declan Rice.
Jorginho reminiscent of Mikel Arteta in Arsenal role
Arteta has previously named Jorginho as one of the most intelligent players he has ever worked with. That intelligence was on display against the Tyneside outfit.
Andrew Mangan also suspects that Arteta sees something of himself in Jorginho. In his playing days at Arsenal, the Spanish coach was a similar kind of midfielder. He was not the fastest to strongest player on the pitch, but he could read the game and use the ball wisely.
Discussing Jorginho’s influence on this Arsenal team on the Arsecast Extra podcast, Mangan said, “Jorginho is this kind of fulcrum, dare I say a kind of metronomic, Arteta-esque deep-lying midfielder. We saw Arteta do that job many times for Arsenal to very good effect. Where he just had the touches, made the passes, kept it moving. I think he was really, really good in this game. The highest compliment I think I can pay him is that I wish he was a few years younger.”
As things stand, Jorginho is set to become a free agent at the end of this season. The Gunners do hold an option to extend his current contract by a further year, but as of yet they have not triggered this clause. If he continues to perform at the level he has in recent weeks though, then the clamour for Arsenal to keep Jorginho around will only grow louder.
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