A Champions League winner, and a Euro 2020 finalist, no it’s not Ronaldo, Robben or Mbappe this year, but Jorginho. Jorginho? In the eternal words of Roy Keane “really?”, but why is it that Jorginho has so many critics? The Brazilian born midfielder has stood head and tails above many others in his position at Euro 2020, and was instrumental in Chelsea’s, Champions League push, and yet he is treated like a mediocre asset by football fans across the world.
Brief Stats & Facts:
- Started every Italy game at Euro 2020, averaging 98mins a game.
- Maintained an 89% pass accuracy in the Premier League last season. He would maintain this same percentage in the Champions League.
- Instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League victory, starting all but one game.
- Averaged 2.0 tackles in the Premier League, 0.2 higher than Declan Rice.
Jorginho is a unique asset, one who bears little similarities to any other player the league has to offer. His lack of pace seems to have allowed people to treat him as an expendable asset in the Chelsea team, the reality is very different however.
Player’s are constantly praised for that defensive splitting pass, a pass that in all actuality is somewhat a myth. Very few players have that ability to pick out a runner, control the ball, read the play and go from there. Jorginho however, with his 2.7 successful long passes per game shows that he is a luxury player.
One asset of Jorginho’s game that has not been touched on yet is his penalties. Yes, the argument is that anyone can score a penalty, and whilst that’s true, it takes some nerve to when the weight of the world is on your shoulders. This was shown perfectly last night, whilst his former teammate Alvaro Morata fluffed his line’s, Jorginho stepped up, and slid the ball home as cool as you like. It was a penalty that fits his Brazilian/Italian heritage, both effortlessly cool, whilst still incredibly skilful.
Now, here’s the big question. With rumours swirling of Jorginho possibly being in contention for the Ballon d’Or, does he deserve to be in contention? Well….. the honest answer, is no. Now, this article may have exclusively praised Jorginho for his footballing ability, but the reality is he shouldn’t even get close to the prestigious honour. If he was to win the trophy, it’d be a move akin to Luka Modric’s 2018 victory, where it was the Croatian midfielder who ended the run of Messi/Ronaldo victories, in a decision that has since been lambasted. Also, Jorginho is no Modric, not even close. He’s had a great season, he’s under appreciated, but he is no Ballon d’Or winner.
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Cover Photo (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
