Gunner Profile: Jorginho

Jorginho, a Brazilian-born Italian midfield maestro, has firmly established himself as a key player in the Arsenal Football Club setup. With his exceptional passing ability, unruffled composure, and intelligent reading of the game, he has become an integral part of the Gunners’ drive for the Premier League title.

Born on December 20, 1991, in Imbituba, Brazil, Jorginho’s journey to the pinnacle of football began in his homeland. After showcasing his talent at various Brazilian clubs, he made a significant move to Italy, joining Hellas Verona. It was there that his exceptional playmaking skills caught the eye of scouts, earning him a transfer to Napoli in 2014, under the guidance of coach Maurizio Sarri.

Jorginho’s time at Napoli proved transformative, as he flourished under Sarri’s tactical system. Positioned as a deep-lying playmaker, his accurate passing range, precise ball control, and exceptional vision helped orchestrate Napoli’s attacking plays from deep midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and effortlessly transition play from defense to attack made him an invaluable asset.

In 2018, Jorginho reunited with Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, joining the London club in a high-profile transfer. With his signature metronomic passing, Jorginho was the catalyst for the team’s build-up play, initiating attacks and controlling the rhythm of the game.

Jorginho’s impact goes beyond his ability to distribute the ball. His intelligent positioning and astute reading of the game enable him to break up opposition plays and provide a defensive shield for his team. Additionally, his calmness under pressure and unwavering confidence in taking penalties made him a reliable spot-kick taker for both club and country.

The midfielder’s achievements at Chelsea include numerous domestic and international honors. He played a crucial role in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2021, where his composure and precision were on full display. Moreover, Jorginho played a significant part in Italy’s success at UEFA Euro 2020, where the Azzurri emerged as champions.

Jorginho joined Arsenal during the January 2023 transfer window, and has since become an important player coming off the bench for the Gunners. In the last two matches, the Brazilian started in the midfield and was instrumental in the Gunners getting back to their winning ways.