Rio Ferdinand revisits criticism of Jorginho amid impressive form

In an episode of a podcast aired in 2024, Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, addressed his previous criticisms of Jorginho, the Arsenal and Italian midfielder. Ferdinand's harsh remarks from 2019 included claims that Jorginho lacks speed, receives no assists, and can be overrun in significant matches. Jorginho was with Chelsea at that time. However, since joining Arsenal in January 2023 and signing a new contract with the club in May of the same year, he has become a vital part of the team. This season, Jorginho captained Arsenal when regular captain Martin Odegaard was sidelined due to injury. Under Mikel Arteta's management, he has participated in key victories against teams like Tottenham and Southampton as well as the last two league matches against Nottingham Forest and West Ham. Ferdinand reflected on the potential impact of his remarks, especially within the context of social media where comments can be taken out of context. He acknowledged that opinions like his can influence team dynamics and player morale. Ahead of a match against Manchester United, Ferdinand expressed his desire for a tactical discussion regarding Jorginho’s capabilities and performance for Arsenal, indicating a shift in his perspective since the original criticism. As the football world continues to evolve, Ferdinand remains engaged in discussions about player performances and team strategies.