Mikel Arteta has built a very balanced squad at Arsenal.
There is a healthy blend of experience and youthful energy in the dressing room at the Emirates Stadium.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and William Saliba are still in the early stages of their career, but are still helping to bring through the next generation at Arsenal, as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are breaking into the first team.
Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Kai Havertz, and several others are now entering what ought to be their peak years. Whilst, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Raheem Sterling add some welcome experience to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
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Jorginho’s influence at Arsenal
Although Odegaard is the club captain, Jorginho is very much a leader too, and wears the armband in the Norwegian playmaker’s absence.
It is unsurprising that the midfield veteran holds such a status in the squad. After all, Arteta once described Jorginho as the most intelligent player he has ever worked with.
The 32-year-old does not play week in, week out, but is trusted to step up for big games, and brings extra composure to the side when he is on the pitch.
In fact, he is even able to have a positive influence when he is just near the pitch. Jorginho was recently spotted coaching Arsenal players from the sidelines during a match, as he was named amongst the substitutes.
Journalist Charles Watts, speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, has now lifted the lid on what those within the club really think of the Italy international.
He said: “He’s another arm of Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff, basically. Behind the scenes, on the training ground, he is massively respected, and he still works incredibly hard.”
What next for Jorginho?
Whilst Jorginho is a valued figure at the Emirates Stadium, time catches up with all players. There have been signs of Jorginho heading into decline recently, which will not have escaped Arteta’s notice.
Meanwhile, his current contract with the Gunners is set to expire at the end of this season. Whilst the club do have an option to extend his deal, the former Chelsea man will surely need to improve his form significantly if he is to convince Arteta to retain his services for longer.
Jorginho is now playing for his Arsenal future, or may even open to a move or could be considering retirement and a move into coaching.
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