LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea interacts with Jorginho of Chelsea following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini has raved about the quality of Chelsea player Jorginho ahead of Wednesday night.
The Blues travel to Turin tomorrow to face Juventus in the Champions League group stages. Both teams have a 100 per cent win record after the opening round of fixtures.
Juventus defender Chiellini, who’s played 539 games for The Old Lady, knows all about one upcoming opponent.
The veteran centre-back played alongside Chelsea midfielder Jorginho this summer as Italy won the Euro 2020 competition, with both key men for their country.
Chiellini has tipped Jorginho for the individual Ballon d’Or prize this year. Also, he’s given a rave review about his international colleague:
“I’ve always thought he was a good player but after the first few training sessions, I realised how good he is, what a top player he is,” Chiellini said.
“He has great technical qualities, but the real difference is in his head. Many said he was always able to play with Sarri, but everywhere he goes he is a regular starter, I really hope he will win the Ballon d’Or.”Jorginho, who earns £110,000-a-week, has already racked up plenty of minutes this season. However, tomorrow is not a game to give him some rest.
With Kante unavailable, Chelsea need the experience and know-how of Jorginho on the pitch for the trip to Italy. Likewise, experienced Blues teammate Mateo Kovacic is an option.
The 29-year-old can be afforded rest later in the competition once the Blues have sealed qualification to the knockout rounds.
Jorginho’s Chelsea career has been turbulent, receiving plenty of criticism during his time at Stamford Bridge.
He joined from Napoli for £50million back in 2018 and it’s transfer fee that critics have often used against him.
But, he’s now an ever-present for the Blues that looks every bit a £50million man.
He repaid that fee by winning in the Champions League last season, plus he won the Europa League during his first season.
It looks like he’s only going from strength to strength right now.
