Much has been made about Jorginho since the Italian moved to Chelsea last summer. Some take the opinion that he is useless, and criticised him, and some take the opinion that he is crucial to Chelsea and praise him, especially after a good end to the season.
No matter what you think of Jorginho, he has all the traits to be a talisman for Chelsea under new manager Frank Lampard next season, rather than be a hindrance.
On the face of it, a lack of assists from the Italian midfielder raises some eyebrows and makes you think: “how can he be a talisman”. Well, here is the answer.
Last season under Maurizio Sarri, Jorginho was made the centre-point for what was labelled ‘Sarriball‘. Jorginho made more passes on average per game than any other Chelsea player last season, showing how crucial he was at moving the ball.
Being able to move the ball quickly is crucial to creating attacking opportunities, as shown by Guardiola and Manchester City, who have seemingly set the benchmark with their success with their possession-based football.
Jorginho being a talisman is further strengthened by comments made by Lampard in an interview with Goal in March. The former England international claimed he wanted to play ‘good football’ and that his team should ‘move the ball through the pitch’. As shown above, Jorginho is the best-placed player in Chelsea’s team to play such a style of football as he has the quality on the ball.
After the departure of Eden Hazard this summer, there’s no standout candidate who can be made the centre-fold of the Chelsea team. Inconsistency reigned supreme in many aspects of Chelsea’s game last season, however, Jorginho and his passing were a constant, as he finished with the most passes completed in the Premier League. The Italian could be a talisman rather than a hindrance for Lampard next season.
