Share this @internewscast.com

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has leapt to the defence of his team-mate Kai Havertz following criticism of the £65m summer signing.

Havertz arrived from Chelsea in June after three years at Stamford Bridge that saw him score a Champions League final winning goal in his first season, but also flatter to deceive for long periods.

He made a slow start to his Arsenal career, scoring just one penalty in his first 19 matches. The German international has received criticism for his performance at the Emirates, but Jorginho insists the Arsenal squad appreciate what Havertz brings to the team, even if fans are yet to be fully convinced.

‘But when you play beside him, it’s just different. You see straight away his qualities and what he can offer you.’

Jorginho (right) has defended his Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz (left) following criticism

Jorginho (right) has defended his Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz (left) following criticism

Havertz is yet to fully convince some fans, but Jorginho insists he makes other players better

Havertz is yet to fully convince some fans, but Jorginho insists he makes other players better

Havertz appears to be finding his feet after netting in two of his last three outings, and Jorginho feels he has an important role to play for Mikel Arteta’s men as he helps those around him play better. 

Jorginho continued: ‘You just look at him and you understand what he wants and what he expects from you, where he expects the ball, the way he puts his body in certain positions. 

‘He knows what he wants next. He makes things easier for who is beside him.’

Jorginho has featured regularly for Arsenal this season alongside Havertz and Declan Rice, helping the Gunners move two points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The 31-year-old has brought much-needed experience to Arsenal’s midfield in his first year at the club, but has had one specific issue in recent times – penalties.

Having been a reliable penalty taker at Chelsea, he has missed three consecutive penalties for Italy, with his latest failure coming in a World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia last month.

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti backed Jorginho to continue taking penalties in the aftermath of that match, but the midfielder has since decided that he needed to make a change to get back to his best from the spot.

He has become known for his distinctive run-up to penalties over the years, opting for a hop, skip and a jump in an attempt to put the goalkeeper off.

Jorginho missed his third consecutive penalty for Italy against North Macedonia last month

Jorginho missed his third consecutive penalty for Italy against North Macedonia last month

He has since changed his penalty run-up, and he scored a spot-kick against Lens last week

He has since changed his penalty run-up, and he scored a spot-kick against Lens last week

He changed that approach when he took a penalty in Arsenal’s 6-0 win against Lens last week, and on that occasion he scored.

Jorginho has now explained the thinking behind the tweak to his penalty run-up. 

‘Goalkeepers are studying more and more. Taking a penalty is getting harder and harder,’ he said.

‘The game is changing. At some point I felt that I needed another option.’

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Mark Clattenburg Demands Tougher Penalties for Divers in New Mail Podcast, Criticizes Premier League Stars for ‘Cheating’

Former referee Mark Clattenburg has called for more players to be sent…

England Prepares for Pivotal Match Against the Netherlands in Sarina Wiegman Derby, Facing a Tough Test with No Room for Error in Euros Title Defense

The Sarina Wiegman derby takes centre stage this evening and the stakes…

Ajax Unveils 2025/26 Aquatic Away Kit in Tribute to Amsterdam’s Heritage

As Amsterdam marks its 750th anniversary, Ajax is paying tribute to the…

Calum Crowe Suggests Jamie Vardy, 38, Would Outshine Rangers’ Current Strikers

When Rangers broke their club transfer record and forked out just over…

Christian Pulisic Launches Second ‘Stomping Grounds’ Center to Support Youth in Need

Christian Pulisic is channeling his passion for soccer into meaningful action with…

Enzo Maresca Discloses Decision-Maker Behind Noni Madueke’s Departure from Chelsea as He Nears £52 Million Transfer to Arsenal

Enzo Maresca has revealed who was behind the decision to allow Noni…

At 40, Thiago Silva continues to lead Fluminense, gearing up to face his former team Chelsea in the Club World Cup semi-final, with his supportive wife cheering from the sidelines.

As Thiago Silva addressed the Chelsea fans in April 2024 to inform…

Inside Oleksandr Usyk’s Training Strategy: The Secret Tools and Techniques He Uses to Stay Ahead of the Game for the Daniel Dubois Rematch

It’s easy to wonder how he is still managing it. How, at…

“Sporting President Declares ‘No One is Above the Club’ Following Viktor Gyokeres’s Absence from Training Amid Arsenal Interest”

It’s been another crazy day in the world of Viktor Gyokeres. The…

Marc Cucurella Shares Chelsea’s Strategy for PSG Clash and His Anticipation for Facing Ousmane Dembele Again

Observe Ousmane Dembele during Chelsea’s short goal kicks on Sunday night. The…