Mastermind Midfielder: Jorginho's Tactical Brilliance Earns Arteta's Praise and Coaching Aspirations
In the intricate game of football, Jorginho has emerged as the intellectual linchpin of Arsenal's title ambitions, both on and off the field. Mikel Arteta, the Gunners' manager, hails the Italian midfielder as one of the most intelligent players he has ever coached, recognizing in him the potential to transition into a managerial role.
Far from waiting for retirement to explore coaching, Jorginho is already making his mark. During a recent match at Villa Park, with Arteta serving a touchline ban, the midfielder took charge in the substitutes' warm-up area. Shouting instructions and offering insights, he even beckoned goalkeeper David Raya for a strategic conversation.
Reflecting on the impromptu exchange, Jorginho explained, "We were just discussing what we trained and what he saw in that moment, but it’s a decision that you make in that second. It’s something that comes naturally when Mikel is there or not there— even more when he’s not there.
Emphasizing his approach, Jorginho stated, "It’s just trying to support the boys and trying to help them with advice that I could see from outside the pitch. I think that’s one of my biggest strengths, my brain.
Arteta's decision to bring Jorginho to Arsenal last January was a swift and surprising move, catching the midfielder off guard. Yet, the allure of contributing to an ambitious project and aiding in the team's growth convinced him to make the switch from Chelsea.
Jorginho expressed, "The project convinced me straight away to come. I saw the opportunity of working in a team that had an amazing project, of growing a team, to try and achieve. And I felt they wanted me to give this help to improve the team, bring good energy.
At 31, in his 11th top-flight season, Jorginho's £12 million acquisition seems like a strategic coup. His wealth of experience and trophy-laden history adds a unique dimension to Arsenal's squad, positioning him not just as a key player but as a cerebral force driving the team toward success.
In a whirlwind of accomplishments throughout 2021, Jorginho etched his name in football history as a European champion with both Chelsea and Italy, clinching the Club World Cup and securing a commendable third place in the Ballon d'Or rankings. Reflecting on the unexpected success, he remarked, 'That was a bit insane because I did not see that coming, either! It is just so amazing what happened. You just look back and see all the work you put in; it was worth it. That was an example for myself — anything is possible, and I can share that with teammates, friends, my kids, with anyone I am around.'
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, cherishes Jorginho's presence not just for the levity he injects into the team but, more importantly, for his leadership. Arteta emphasized, 'As a role model, you want to look at somebody with his career and the way he acts every single day. He understands his role in a great way, and whatever you ask him to do, he will do it at his best — and that’s something rare. The detail that he can go into, the understanding of what is happening live in the game, how he can correct it and how he can attract the attention of his teammates to listen to him and do what he is telling them to do. It is very impressive. When he’s on the bench, he’s like another coach.'
While Jorginho has found himself spending more time on the bench than desired, he remains committed to contributing his experience both on and off the pitch. In praising his fellow midfielder, Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal in a £105 million deal in the summer, Jorginho recognized Rice's impact: 'He is a big player. Everyone can see that. His energy, his physicality, he has a big impact. The same as Kai Havertz. If everyone has the same mentality of wanting to learn and putting the team first, I think we can achieve a lot.'
In conclusion, Jorginho's meteoric rise in 2021 as a dual European champion, Club World Cup winner, and Ballon d'Or contender stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and work ethic. His unexpected success serves as an inspirational example, reinforcing the belief that anything is possible through hard work.
Mikel Arteta, appreciative of Jorginho's multifaceted contributions, values him not only for his on-field prowess but also for his exceptional leadership qualities. Jorginho's ability to dissect the nuances of the game, offer insightful corrections, and command the attention of teammates mirrors that of a seasoned coach, making him a valuable asset even from the sidelines.
While Jorginho may find himself on the bench more than he'd prefer, his commitment to imparting experience remains unwavering. Praises for fellow midfielder Declan Rice and the potential of the Arsenal team underpin Jorginho's positive outlook. As he continues to blend experience with enthusiasm, Jorginho exemplifies the kind of mentorship and team spirit that could propel Arsenal to achieve significant heights in their collective pursuit of success.
