William Saliba admits he admires the football IQ of Arsenal teammate Jorginho
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has picked his teammate Jorginho when asked who he thinks has the best football IQ.
The France international was selecting his perfect Premier League footballer and he included Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard when choosing whose left foot he admires.
Saliba chose Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne for his right foot, Fulham winger Adama Traore for his speed and Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk for his strength, and he would have surprised many with his decision to go with Jorginho when picking a player for his football IQ.
The Italian international joined Arsenal from Chelsea in January and he made 14 Premier League appearances, weighing in with an assist.
The arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham United has limited the opportunities Jorginho has seen this term, with both of his appearances coming off the bench and totalling 17 minutes.
Saliba has seen more than enough from the 31-year-old in training and he knows what he is saying.
The former Napoli star boasts huge footballing intelligence, and manager Mikel Arteta did not hesitate to go after him during the winter transfer window when Chelsea made him available.
Jorginho helped the Stamford Bridge club win the Europa League in 2018-19 and Champions League in 2020-21, winning the UEFA Player of the Year for the same season as a result.
He also won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in the same year, making the FIFA FIFPro World11.
The midfielder played a key role as Italy won the European Championship in 2021, making the team of the tournament.
Jorginho is not in the Arsenal starting line-up and will unlikely force his way into the side anytime soon, but he remains a solid option to have off the bench, and his experience will also come in handy as the club returns to elite European competition this term.
