Jorginho – Would the UEFA Player of the Season make YOUR starting eleven?

It’s a ridiculous title and a ridiculous statement to make based on the award he received from UEFA after his own incredible season personally. But, in saying that with everyone in Chelsea’s current first-team squad available for selection, would Jorginho make your preferred starting eleven for Chelsea?

Jorginho is like Marmite for me. You either love him or you do not and there are plenty out there that do. Jorginho had an incredible season last year and without question, he played an integral part in Chelsea’s unexpected Champions League success. The football world would have rather placed their bets at the best australian online casino than had given Chelsea any chance of winning the final against Manchester City before kick-off. 

His quality and experience were vital at different moments in addition to Thiago Silva to the younger players in the team in those big, big games. His ability with the ball at his feet cannot be questioned and it’s clear he is a natural leader and an orchestrator of our possession from the deeper-lying midfield position.  Often seen talking to his teammates, organising their positions, and encouraging our press in the opposition half, Jorginho has made a massive impact at the club and especially on the younger players in the squad. 

Now to the other side of the argument. There are those that believe that Jorginho’s lack of ability with the defensive side of his game is detrimental to the team. Also, his use of the ball at times is not quick enough and he slows our game down. 

Trying to understand the argument I look at Mateo Kovacic as an example. Renowned for his technical ability with the ball at his feet, Kovacic has developed the defensive side of his game and work rate. What is key though, is his ability to turn away from a challenge deep within our own half of the pitch and turn his possession from defence immediately to attack by breaking forward between the lines into space in midfield. That isn’t something that we see with Jorginho. It’s almost as if his “Quarterback” style of play with his possession of the ball is completely different and many people see it as the negative about his game. 

As with any player at Chelsea, each has their strengths and weaknesses, and we must take everything into account when we look at selecting what each of us believes to be Chelsea’s strongest starting eleven. 

By doing this, and looking at all the options Thomas Tuchel has available especially this season, you must ask yourselves the question – “Does Jorginho start in my team?”