Jorginho hailed as ‘phenomenal character’ by Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener

Jorginho might be facing a fight for a place in the Arsenal starting XI this season, but Mikel Arteta has hailed him as a ‘phenomenal character’ and one that will play a key role in the coming campaign.

The Italy international was signed from Chelsea in January and made 14 Premier League appearances for the Gunners in the second half of the campaign, nine of which were in the starting line-up.

With the arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz this summer there has been much talk of a revamped midfield at Arsenal, with Jorginho not tipped by many to be first choice.

Jorginho’s Experience is Crucial for Arsenal

The 31-year-old certainly faces competition for his place, but Arteta says his experience will be crucial as there are plenty of younger players in the squad that will benefit from the knowledge and influence he holds.

‘Jorgi is a phenomenal character, he has so much experience, everybody respects and loves him, and he is a very particular character as well. He has been really, really, really good for us,’ said Arteta.

‘He needs to maintain what he is doing but as well we have to promote experience from other areas. There are very young players as well and now they have been with us for a while and they have to start to move forwards and take initiative and go another step further, because that is going to needed for sure.’

‘It’s something that has to be shared. Jorgi’s experience is very important, and then we have to use that and allow them to lead and self-police in certain moments. When it comes from the dressing-room, that’s the most powerful thing.’

Young Players Must Step Up

Arteta also believes that the younger players in the squad must take responsibility for their own development and take the initiative to become better players.

‘We haven’t gone from the end of May to the beginning of August from being young to now being mature. But they are gaining experience and I will never use their age as an excuse because it’s something that really describes who we are and the way we behave and play, and it’s something very powerful.’

Arsenal Begin Their Season Against Nottingham Forest

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest at 12.30pm at the Emirates on Saturday.

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