Rio Ferdinand makes surprise three-year Nicolas Jover prediction that would deal blow to Arsenal

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand expects big things from Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover.

Nicolas Jover is Arsenal’s set-piece coach. 

The Frenchman is a crucial figure in Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff at the Emirates Stadium.

Since his arrival in North London from Manchester City in 2019, he has made the Gunners a dominant force from set-piece situations.

His influence came to the fore once again on Sunday, as Arsenal claimed victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

Gabriel Magalhaes nodded in a second half winner, as he got on the end of Bukayo Saka’s corner. In the last four years, no Premier League player has scored more often than Gabriel in non-penalty set-piece situations. Jover deserves a great deal of the credit for this record. 

Arteta clearly has huge faith in the 42-year-old, too. In fact, Jorginho recently explained that Jover speaks to the team at half-time during each match. This reveals a great deal about the status that the coach holds in the manager’s eyes. 

The Gunners may now fear Jover being prised away, due to his huge success.

• READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry

Rio Ferdinand sends Nicolas Jover warning to Arsenal

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand certainly feels that Jover may well be destined for a more prominent role elsewhere in the near future. 

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the former England international said: “If he’s not a manager within three years somewhere, I’ll be surprised. He’s going to be a manager somewhere.”

Arsenal fans and Arteta will all be hoping that this prediction does not come true. However, there is a distinct possibility that rival clubs will target Jover due to his success at Arsenal.

Arsenal set apart by set-pieces

The importance of set-pieces to Arsenal can scarcely be overstated. Arteta’s side have racked up many points in recent seasons due to their ability to turn these situations into goals so regularly.

This is clearly factored into the club’s recruitment too. For instance, summer signing Mikel Merino is outstanding in the air, and once he is back to full fitness he will provide Jover with another goal threat to work with. 

Whilst Arsenal still have Jover, they will continue to rely on him. As the Gunners’ secret weapon, he could prove the difference when it comes to the title race this season.