Mikel Arteta labels unexpected Arsenal star ‘most intelligent he’s ever coached’
Mikel Arteta has labelled Arsenal midfield general Jorginho as just about the ‘most intelligent footballer’ he has coached.
Which is some statement given the many illustrious names the Gunners supremo worked with during three-and-half years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Vincent Kompany, Bernardo Silva… the list goes on.
Yet Arteta, discussing how Jorginho took it upon himself at Villa Park last weekend to deliver instructions from the bench – while the manager served a one-match touchline ban in the stands – claims few possess the Italian’s all-round intellect.
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Arteta, whose side host Brighton tomorrow (December 17), said: “He is one of the most intelligent players that I have coached, for sure. 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 teammates 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.”
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Certainly, Jorginho relishes the role of inspirational influencer – whether dictating proceedings on the pitch or as a sub in the dugout. Responding to Arteta’s glowing praise, the ex-Chelsea man, a £12million buy last January, said: ‘’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. 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 should know. In 2021, he scooped the Champions League, the Euros, the Club World Cup – and third place in the Ballon d’Or.
A blur at the time, the Brazil-born Azzurri ace, 31, hopes those feats show others what can be achieved with dedication – not only in football but any walk of life. However, right now making up for last season’s agonising Premier League heartache is the priority in N5.
Back in April it was Brighton who hammered the penultimate nail into the Gunners’ title coffin, with a crushing 3-0 romp at the Emirates.
Since that desperate day, the North Londoners have recovered relatively well. Unbeaten at home this term, they were a point behind leaders Liverpool coming into the weekend.
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Arteta conceded: “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 agrees, saying: “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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