Mikel Arteta believes Jorginho is one of the most intelligent players he’s coached, suggesting it’s like having another coach in the squad.

Speaking to the media ahead of Arsenal’s match against Brighton this weekend, Mikel Arteta gave his thoughts on former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.

The Italy international joined the Gunners at the start of 2023, so he’s now approaching the end of his first year with the club.

A lot of that time has been spent on the pitch, with Jorginho already having made 34 appearances for Arsenal. But the 31-year-old has also had to settle for a spot on the bench at times, given the strength in depth in his position.

Whether on the pitch or off it, Jorginho has made sure to have an impact on the game, and that’s something Arteta is clearly pleased about.

“He is one of the most intelligent players that I have coached, for sure.” Arteta said.

“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.”

Jorginho’s informal player-coaching role was in full swing against Aston Villa last weekend, with Sam Dean of the Telegraph noting that the midfielder spent most of the first half coaching players, “pointing and gesturing like Arteta would”.

Dean spotted that David Raya went over to the touchline to talk with Jorginho at one point, speaking to the midfielder instead of the Arsenal coaches.

With Arteta suspended for the game, Jorginho was clearly keen to take on more responsibility. He’s proving a very valuable asset to Arsenal right now.