As the international break unfolds, Gooners around the world are already casting their eyes toward the highly anticipated North London Derby. Despite the international fixtures in full swing, one burning question remains on every Arsenal fan’s mind: who will step into the midfield alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard against Tottenham? With injuries and suspensions piling up, the debate over the best midfield lineup is heating up, but one choice stands out above the rest—Jorginho.
Arsenal’s midfield crisis began with Merino’s injury before the Brighton game, but things took a turn for the worse when Declan Rice received a red card, ruling him out for the derby. This double blow has left Mikel Arteta with limited options, and fans have been speculating who will step up. Names like Kai Havertz, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, and even the young wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri have been tossed around as potential replacements. Yet, any option other than Jorginho would be a huge mistake—and here’s why.
Jorginho might not have played a minute for Arsenal so far this season, but that could work in our favor. Unlike many of his teammates who have been called up for international duty, the Italian veteran has remained in London, working hard on the training ground. His absence from the Italian squad is a blessing in disguise for Arsenal, as he’s been preparing himself for a potential start in the North London Derby. And if there’s one thing Jorginho brings to the table that Arsenal will desperately need against Spurs, it’s experience and composure in big games. This isn’t just any match—it’s Tottenham, in a game where cool heads are vital.
With Merino and Rice unavailable, the idea of a double pivot between Partey and Jorginho becomes even more appealing. Jorginho, while lacking the physical dynamism of Rice, compensates with his intelligence, vision, and tactical awareness. His ability to control the tempo and dictate play from deeper positions will allow Partey to focus on breaking up Spurs’ attacks and driving the ball forward. Together, they form a solid and balanced partnership that can shield the backline and offer creative outlets to Odegaard and the attacking players.
But why not consider other options? Reverting Kai Havertz back to midfield is a risky proposition. While Havertz has shown flashes of brilliance in an attacking role, moving him back into the middle could hinder his newfound confidence. He’s just starting to settle into his forward role, and shifting him around could disrupt the momentum he’s been building. Havertz is thriving in the front line, and throwing him back into midfield in a high-stakes game like the North London Derby might backfire.
Starting Timber or Zinchenko in the midfield would also be too experimental. While both players possess versatility, neither has the necessary experience or comfort in playing a pivotal midfield role in a match of this magnitude. Timber has primarily played in defense, and Zinchenko is better suited to a left-back role, where he can drift inside and create overloads, rather than being the main orchestrator in midfield. Risking such an experiment in a high-pressure game against Spurs could leave Arsenal exposed.
And as much as Arsenal fans are excited about the future of young Nwaneri, starting him in the North London Derby would be too soon. The teenager has undeniable talent, but thrusting him into a game of this magnitude could do more harm than good. A poor performance on such a big stage could potentially dent his confidence, and a game of this intensity requires experienced players who can handle the pressure. Nwaneri is still developing, and while his time will surely come, this is not the game to gamble on his inexperience.
In contrast, Jorginho’s experience in big games is exactly what Arsenal needs. He was a trusted figure at the base of midfield for much of last season, putting in solid performances, particularly in high-pressure situations. His ability to read the game and dictate the pace will be invaluable in a match where the stakes are sky-high.
The North London Derby is one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the season, and Arsenal cannot afford to make the wrong call in midfield. With Jorginho’s calmness under pressure, tactical nous, and leadership qualities, he is the only logical choice to step in for the suspended Rice. Choosing anyone else would be a massive gamble—a gamble Arsenal simply can’t afford.
In a game where precision and composure will be key, Jorginho’s inclusion is not just the safest option; it’s the smartest. And if Arteta makes the right call, it could be the difference between dominating Spurs or handing them a lifeline.
