Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has opened up about his football journey, revealing the players who impressed him the most during his time at two of England’s biggest clubs.
The Italian international, now 33, left Arsenal in the summer following the expiry of his contract and made an emotional move to Flamengo, returning to his country of birth, Brazil. During his time in England, Jorginho shared dressing rooms with some of the most technically gifted footballers in Europe — and his recent interview with TNT Sports Brazil has shed light on who he rated highest from both sides of London.
Jorginho’s Top Three Players at Arsenal
Having spent two and a half seasons under Mikel Arteta, Jorginho witnessed firsthand the talent and discipline within Arsenal’s young, dynamic squad. When asked to name the three best players he played alongside in North London, his choices were somewhat unexpected: Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka.
“They’re incredible talents,” Jorginho told TNT Sports Brazil. “Each one has something special — Saka’s consistency, Martinelli’s energy, and Jesus’ creativity. Training with them was pure joy.”
While Bukayo Saka’s inclusion comes as no surprise — the England international has become one of the best wingers in world football, Jorginho’s praise for Martinelli and Jesus offers an interesting glimpse behind the scenes. Both Brazilians have been criticized at times for inconsistency, but clearly, Jorginho saw qualities that often go unnoticed by fans.
In particular, Gabriel Jesus seems to have left a lasting impression. Despite struggling with injuries and form, Jorginho called him “one of the most skilful and unpredictable players in training.”
That admiration also explains why Jorginho was reportedly relieved when news broke that Jesus had rejected interest from Palmeiras, choosing to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place. Currently recovering from an ACL injury, the 28-year-old is expected to return fully fit in 2026 — and his former teammate will be one of many watching his comeback closely.
Jorginho’s Top Three Players at Chelsea
Before his Arsenal chapter, Jorginho enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel and earned a place in the FIFPRO World XI that same year. During his interview, he also revealed his top three players from his Chelsea years and his choices raised eyebrows
He named Eden Hazard, Willian, and Mateo Kovačić as the three best footballers he shared the pitch with at Stamford Bridge.
While Hazard’s inclusion is a no-brainer. widely regarded as one of the most gifted players in Premier League history and Willian’s work rate and technique make him a respectable pick, Jorginho’s choice of Kovačić over N’Golo Kanté surprised many supporters.
“Kovačić was a magician in midfield,” Jorginho explained. “The way he carried the ball out of pressure and created space for everyone — it was something special.”
That high praise, however, means Jorginho left out Kanté, one of Chelsea’s most influential players of the modern era. The Frenchman’s tireless energy and defensive brilliance were crucial to Chelsea’s domestic and European success, and many would argue that Kanté’s impact on games far surpassed Kovačić’s.
During his peak years at Stamford Bridge, Kanté averaged 3.3 tackles per game in the Premier League (via WhoScored) a figure that highlights his dominance in midfield. Yet, while Kanté often stole headlines for his defensive prowess, Jorginho seemed to appreciate Kovačić’s artistry and intelligence on the ball — traits that perhaps resonated more with his own playing style.
A Midfielder’s Eye for Technical Brilliance
Jorginho’s picks Jesus, Martinelli, Saka, Hazard, Willian, and Kovačić tell a story about the kind of footballer he admires: players defined by skill, movement, and creativity rather than pure physicality or work rate.
As a deep-lying playmaker who thrived on vision and passing rhythm, it’s easy to see why he gravitated toward technically refined teammates. For Jorginho, beauty in football lies in precision and flair and the names he’s chosen reflect exactly that.
From Saka’s composure and Hazard’s artistry to Kovačić’s elegant ball control, the Italian’s selections underline his appreciation for players who make the game look effortless.
Now plying his trade at Flamengo, Jorginho appears content as he embarks on a new chapter in Brazil. Yet, his reflections on Arsenal and Chelsea remind fans just how much talent he’s shared the pitch with and how uniquely he views the game.
Few players can boast of winning the Champions League, Europa League, and UEFA Player of the Year, all while earning the respect of world-class teammates across Europe’s top clubs.
For Jorginho, the names he’s picked aren’t just teammates — they’re artists of the sport, each leaving a lasting impression on a midfielder who built his own career on intelligence and craft.
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