‘IN LOVE WITH THE GAME’
That campaign ended with Jorginho helping Chelsea win the Europa League, but Sarri’s successor Frank Lampard never seemed completely satisfied with the midfielder either.
Jorginho was in and out of the team during Lampard’s reign, with his value to Chelsea still a matter of impassioned debate among supporters and pundits when Thomas Tuchel took charge in January.
His hop-step penalty-taking style aside, Jorginho often appears a reluctant star, happy to shun the spotlight off the pitch and employing a low-key approach on it.
But Tuchel had no doubts about Jorginho’s value, appreciating that his astute reading of the game, tactical awareness and metronomic passing made him an ideal ‘No 6’ capable of leading the transition from defence to attack.
Jorginho has grown in stature while working for Tuchel, making him essential to Chelsea’s hopes of retaining the Champions League and winning a first English title since 2017.
For a player whose unselfish approach makes others shine, this is Jorginho’s moment in the spotlight.
“He’s a top guy. He’s in love with this game. He never stops transmitting this energy that he’s really into thinking about tactics and loves to be involved and feel a true connection with the game,” Tuchel said.
“That makes him a very important player and a huge link in the middle of the pitch, not only for us but also for Italy.”