Declan Rice reveals the smart Arsenal player that has surprised him

In a recent interview, Arsenal’s new signing Declan Rice has revealed the player who has surprised him the most in the Gunners squad. Rice, who joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window, spoke highly of his teammate Jorginho and praised his skills as a holding midfielder.

“The one who surprised me so much, not surprised because I knew he was such a good player anyway. Playing with him every day in training and seeing how he is because he’s not the biggest is Jorginho,” said Rice during an interview with Channel 4.

Rice went on to highlight Jorginho’s exceptional footballing intelligence and his ability to control the game from a deep-lying position. “His brain, the way it works as a holding midfielder, I’ve just been trying to pick up little things off of him. He’s always in position, he always knows when to pass, always creates time for himself, he’s an outstanding trainer.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 08: Jorginho of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on October 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

These words from Rice shed light on Jorginho’s impact within the Arsenal squad and highlight his importance as a key figure in their midfield setup. Despite not being physically imposing, Jorginho’s tactical awareness and technical abilities have impressed Rice and made him an influential presence on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Arsenal finds themselves in an impressive second position on the Premier League table with 20 points in this 2023/24 campaign. Their recent victory against Manchester City with a scoreline of 1-0 showcased their strong form and determination.

Looking ahead, Arsenal’s next challenge will be an away game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 21st October after the international break. This clash promises to be an exciting encounter between two top teams vying for success in the Premier League.

As Arsenal continues their campaign with high hopes of challenging for silverware this season, it is clear that players like Jorginho will play a crucial role in their pursuit of success. With his exceptional skills and influence on younger players like Declan Rice, Jorginho’s presence will undoubtedly be vital for Arsenal’s aspirations moving forward.