Arsenal midfielder Jorginho earned praise from Rio Ferdinand for his role in the Gunners’ opener against Sevilla on Wednesday night.
The pundit, speaking on TNT Sports, believes there aren’t many players who can do what the Arsenal veteran can when it comes to defence-splitting passes.
Arsenal, eager to get back to winning ways and get a second win against Sevilla this term, turned the screw from the very first minute in their Champions League encounter.
The opener came in the 29th minute, with Jorginho completely splitting the opposition defence open with a sensational through-ball for Bukayo Saka.
The forward then laid the ball on a plate for Leandro Trossard to slot home and open the scoring for the Gunners.
‘That goal really is about that pass from Jorginho’
Ferdinand was eager to pay tribute to Jorginho for the through-ball, which took out no fewer than six Sevilla players en route to the back of the net.
“There’s very few who can execute” the kind of pass that Jorginho fashioned for the goal, Ferdinand said on TNT Sports at half time.
Meanwhile, Matthew Upson said on Radio 5 Live, via BBC Sport: “That goal really is about that pass from Jorginho to unlock the Sevilla defence.”
Arsenal added a second in the 64th minute as Gabriel Martinelli threaded the ball through for his Saka to cut inside, beat his marker and curl home.
Jorginho delivered a solid and tidy performance, with his wonderful pass for the opener very much the cherry on top.
The £110,000-a-week (Salarysport) Arsenal ace may continue to split opinion at the Emirates, but these kinds of matches where the opposition is in front of him is where he can truly shine.
Jorginho has been a great addition at Arsenal. As well as his quality, the Italy international brings in a lot of experience and leadership, essential for a young Gunners squad.