Jorginho may not be the glamour name Arsenal fans were hoping for in January, but the stats show manager Mikel Arteta may have pulled off a blinder.
The Gunners turned to the 31-year-old after having two bids in excess of £60million and £70m rejected by Brighton for midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Getty
Getty
Arsenal acted fast to snap up the Brazilian-born Italy international from Chelsea in a deal rising to £12million on deadline day.
The Euro 2020 winner has penned a contract at the Emirates until 2024, with the club having the option to extend his stay for a further year.
talkSPORT’s Danny Murphy labelled the transfer as ‘clever business’ by Arsenal, though a number of the club’s supporters have questioned the deal.
Forgetting his history with rivals Chelsea, some hold reservations over his age, his speed as well as physical presence.
But in stats obtained by Opta, Jorginho blows Caicedo out of the water, while also giving Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka a run for their money.
Since the start of last season, Jorginho has featured in 47 Premier League games – the most out of the four players.
He has also scored more goals [eight] – double the amount Xhaka and Partey have amassed for Arsenal.
Jorginho has also provided 2,761 passes, more than twice what Caicedo has managed [1,341], though the 21-year-old has played in just 26 matches.
In terms of passes per 90 minutes, Jorginho averages 69.8 which is better than Xhaka [54.8], Partey [59] and Caicedo [53.1].
Stats have also dispelled the myth of him being a ‘sideways player’ where he has made the most forward passes per match with 20.
Rex
Xhaka has created the most chances from the four men, with Partey top of the pile for total carries and distance carried.
But surprisingly, Jorginho has won the most duels with 207 – 12 ahead of Partey and 58 more than Caicedo.
His defensive stats get even better as he has made the most tackles and interceptions, as well as winning possession the most.
The statistics show Arsenal have truly picked up a bargain in nabbing Jorginho for an initial £10m.
Figures show he is the superior player to Caicedo – despite Brighton valuing the youngster at £80m – eight times more than Jorginho’s transfer fee.
Coupled with his winning mentality and experience in the game, Jorginho could prove invaluable to Arsenal as they look to win their first title in 19 years.
And if he helps his new side scoop the elusive Premier League trophy, no one will be doubting his qualities.
Jorginho could get his first taste of action in an Arsenal shirt when the table-toppers face struggling Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
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