Jorginho’s exposition stems from football’s ‘FIFA fication,’ as Arsenal completes Mikel Arteta’s ideal six-year contract.
Arsenal signed Jorginho from Chelsea on deadline day, but was chastised for bringing in a “too sluggish” player, highlighting football’s continuing “FIFAfication.”
It is important to note that not all of the irritation and angst surrounding the signing of Jorginho is due to this topic, but when evaluating a player’s pace and movement as a ‘dealbreaker,’ it most certainly is. Arsenal signed Jorginho on deadline day for a sum that could increase to £12 million.
Mikel Arteta has signed a player that he has always sought and admired during his time at Napoli and Chelsea. However, news of the Gunners’ plan to recruit the Italian sparked quite a reaction and split online, with a crucial theme recurring across critics.
That theme was that Jorginho was either ‘too slow’ or ‘not mobile enough’ to play the No. 6 position for Arsenal. Statistics on how many times he was dribbled past this season circulated like wildfire.
Wha’s Trending
- Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Team Set for Title Defense in Uganda
- Martha Karua’s NARC-Kenya rebrands to People’s Liberation Party
- Bobi Wine’s Party Reports Police Raid, Claims Spy Devices Installed
- Gachagua: Ruto is in a Gold Business With RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
- Khalwale Bows to Pressure, Moves to Withdraw Motorcycle Bill
In short, this misperception regarding the quickness and mobility of a player I have placed down to something termed inventively as ‘FIFAfication’. This is not in reference to the world governing body of football, but rather to an EA Sports video game.
This may seem far-fetched to people who have never played the game, but the popular title has clearly influenced players’ perceptions based on its assessment of their qualities. Players are evaluated based on a variety of characteristics, the most important of which are speed, dribbling, shooting, physicality, defense, and passing.
While the game attempts to resemble football, individuals who play it understand that this is not the case and that some characteristics are significantly more desirable than others. Speed is an important factor, and having it in abundance across a squad can provide a substantial advantage even if the club does not have the top players.
Lacking a quick striker, a quick defender, or a fluid midfielder can put you on the back foot right away. Take it from someone who has put in many hours.
This requirement for speed and mobility has clearly spilled into the view of real-world sports. Pace, while still crucial, is simply not as important to a player as it is in the virtual realm of the sport.
As a result, when Jorginho, a midfielder not recognized for his quick turn of speed, joins Arsenal, many people focus on this flaw rather than his virtues. In actuality, the Gunners already have a plethora of mobile and quick players.
Jorginho will be well supported by Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba. Mikel Arteta’s method has been able to bring out the best in all of his players, allowing Granit Xhaka, Eddie Nketiah, and Martin Odegaard to achieve new heights in their careers.
There is no reason why Jorginho will not have the same outcome. In any event, the Italian has been a key member of both Chelsea’s and Italy’s national teams’ rosters throughout his career, as he is respected for his quality and influence.
Arteta has long desired and admired Jorginho. According to The Athletic, the Arsenal boss highlighted the 31-year-old as his typical example of a No. 6 that Manchester City should look at when speaking to Marca in 2019.
“I do not get into names but City’s ‘six’ must grasp our game. “It’s critical,” he remarked. “He is the one who makes everyone else work, frees those in front, and sets the pace.
“Our posture has shifted dramatically. Few teams like to play with a single defensive midfielder who controls the entire game.
“In other teams, that job is not as distinct, and we’re losing sight of having one who plays there — the Jorginho type, which I adore.”
With Arsenal leading the Premier League, it’s tough not to have faith in the club’s market decisions once more. It has gotten the Gunners to where they are, and it will be interesting to watch if the rising trend continues.
Jorginho’s exposition stems from football’s ‘FIFA fication,’ as Arsenal completes Mikel Arteta’s ideal six-year contract.
