16 December 2023 , 22:30
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised Jorginho, calling him one of the 'most intelligent footballers' he's ever coached.
Arteta has worked with some top names at Arsenal, as well as during his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. But he mentioned how Jorginho took charge at Villa Park last weekend, delivering instructions from the bench while Arteta served a one-match touchline ban.
"He is one of the most intelligent players that I have coached, for sure." said Arteta. "The detail he can go into, to understand what is happening, not individually, but what's actually happening in life, in the game, and how to correct it. And, then, how he can attract the attention of his team-mates to listen to him and do what he's telling them to do, is really impressive.
"You use him because he is always there, when he's on the bench, like another coach. Every time, I look behind, he's there - it's great that he is living the game." It's clear that Jorginho enjoys being an inspirational influence, whether he's on the pitch or on the bench.
The former Chelsea star, who moved to Arsenal for £12million last January, responded to Arteta's high praise, saying: ''Yes, I think that's one of my biggest strengths. My brain. Because of all I've learned from over the years, I try to pass this to the boys and help them grow - and to understand better the game.
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"I try to bring this experience, not just on the pitch but off the pitch to help take care of details in your life as well, speaking out when I see some things, just trying to make everyone better because everyone can improve. If you improve one, two, three percent, you add to the team and in the end get closer to winning."
Jorginho had a successful year in 2021, winning the Champions League, the Euros with Italy, the World Club Cup, and coming third in the Ballon d'Or. The 31 year old Brazil-born Azzurri ace hopes his achievements will inspire others to see what can be achieved with dedication, not only in football but in any area of life.
Mikel Arteta has hailed midfielder Jorginho as like having another coach in his Arsenal set-up (CameraSport via Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY: Who are Arsenal's biggest leaders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
However, his current focus is on making up for last season's disappointing Premier League performance. In April, Brighton dealt a heavy blow to Arsenal's title hopes with a crushing 3-0 victory at the Emirates.
Since then, the north Londoners have bounced back well. They are unbeaten at home this season and were just a point behind leaders Liverpool going into the weekend.
Arteta admitted: "The margin was none that game. Losing any points and the title was almost over. We had to cope with that. Now, the situation is very different because it's still a marathon to go.
"It's been more than a change in mentality, it's an evolution. Every experience helps you to be better, be different and this team is different to last season's." Jorginho also chimed in, stating: "Arsenal is always growing through the years since Mikel arrived...just increasing, increasing, increasing.
"And we still have a lot of room to improve and learn - but we're on the right path."
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