Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has highlighted the importance of defensive midfielder Jorginho. The Brazilian born Italian who is a favourite of Blues manager Mauricio Sarri arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer along with the tactician.
Jorginho’s first season in England has not exactly gone according to plan. He has been an ever-present figure for the Blues under Sarri this season but has failed to replicate the heroics which saw him become a star at Napoli. One of the reasons why Jorginho has been subjected to criticism is also because Sarri has opted to deploy him the defensive midfield role which was the role of N’Golo Kante during recent years. Kante is widely considered to be one of the best in the world in the defensive midfield role. He starred in the position and helped Leicester City and Chelsea to win Premier League titles. He also was world-class in the position during the 2018 World Cup which was won by his native France.
There is no doubt that Sarri’s decision to play Kante out of his natural position and in a more advanced role will be a major talking point should the Blues fail to qualify for next seasons Champions League. In spite of the criticism which Jorginho has received this season, Sarri believes that he can become an influential player for Chelsea.
“Jorginho is a very important player for us,” the Spaniard said, as quoted by Goal. “Sometimes all of us have struggled because when the results are not there, it means we are not doing the perfect job. But this is his first season in England, first time at a new club.
“This was an important game [for him]. He grew into the game by getting more control, creating more space for the two attacking midfielders where he could find them in very dangerous positions.
“We can see that every time we find him and give him more space, he can create that pass and move forward. It also meant we [the defenders] could enjoy more space in front of us.”
