Jorginho: Italy hero to become unexpected Ballon d'Or contender

Having left Napoli on a €57m deal,

joined

in 2019. Despite showing signs of his best form, the Italian midfielder failed to live up to expectations in his first season at Stamford Bridge. However, he was quickly given a key role in Chelsea’s midfield by Thomas Tuchel, who managed to activate the 29-year-old’s full potential last season.

Jorginho was a key player for Chelsea in their journey to win the Champions League in the 2020-21 campaign. The Italian midfielder is an effective team player who organizes his side’s forces in the midfield by his impressive leadership qualities. The former Napoli midfielder has shown these qualities at Euro 2020 as he is one step away from winning the continental trophy with Italy.

A victory against England on Sunday could put Jorginho ahead of his Chelsea teammate

in the conversations over the Ballon d’Or. However, with Lionel Messi winning the Copa America title with Argentina it seems unlikely for Jorginho to be able to win the award ahead of the Argentinian superstar. Robert Lewandowski is the other serious contender for the prestigious award. The Polish star spent another great campaign with Bayern and managed to score 41 goals for the German giants in 29 Bundesliga games.

Jorginho was asked about his chances of winning this year’s Ballon d’Or last week.

"I don't think about it,

" Jorginho told reporters.

"Everything that is happening is the consequence of hard work.

"My priority is the group and celebrating together with my team-mates and friends. This is more beautiful than celebrating alone."

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