‘He doesn’t’… £12m Arsenal player says Mikel Arteta wants him to stop trying to win headers

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Mikel Arteta is known to be a very methodical figure at Arsenal, one that pays attention to the most minute level of details in matches.

And when speaking on ‘The Athletic Football Podcast’, one Arsenal player has now shared some strict instructions he’s received.

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho explained how Mikel Arteta has actually asked him to stop competing for any balls in the air during matches.

£12m Jorginho recognised that Arteta formulates a plan that is intended to derive the best performance out of each individual player.

And the midfielder explained that dedication is now getting the best out of this squad.

Jorginho said: “What he tries to do is to create a strategy that can bring out the best in yourself.

“So, he can rid the characteristics from the players he has and the way he wants to play allows your best characteristics to come out.

“Example, when he wants me to play, he doesn’t want me to go to compete for the ball in the air. He puts a strategy that I’m going to go for the second ball for example.”

“Everything that happens is planned, something is doesn’t work but every single situation in a game you can be sure that Mikel Arteta works on it.”

Mikel Arteta doesn’t want Jorginho competing for headers in Arsenal matches

Of course, this may come as a surprise to a lot of fans.

Those who play football would be very surprised if a sitting midfielder was suddenly stripped of all licence in the air.

But perhaps with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes often behind him, that is probably a good decision.

And although Arsenal fans will be aware of how meticulous Arteta is with his preparation for matches, even this insight might be a surprise.

Moreover, there’s bound to now be a few spectators keeping an eye on Jorginho’s avoidance of headers in tonight’s trip to Kenilworth Road – should he get minutes.

As well as describing this detail, Jorginho has also been lifting the lid on one ‘unbelievable’ teammate still not understood by fans.

And the midfielder’s perspective is certainly an interesting one, a player that does seem destined to use his footballing brain beyond his playing years.