Euro 2020 provided the world with a much needed distraction as we begin to climb out of quarantine, put COVID-19 behind us and transition back into normal life. This year’s European Championship tournament truly had it all in terms of entertainment. The final was not a goal fest like other contests throughout the last month, but it was the perfect way to put a bow on a fantastic tournament (country allegiances aside).
Italy—the best team from start to finish—emerged from the tournament as deserved winners. In the end, it was gli Azzurri’s ability to win a gritty game of football that saw them lift the trophy. Italy’s win in penalties over England saw the side reintroduce itself as a legitimate World Cup contender for years to come after it failed to qualify for the prestigious tournament in 2018. At the heart of the Italians’ Euro 2020 victory was two Chelsea players, Jorginho and Emerson. This begs the question, what does Italy’s triumph mean for the future of the two Blues?
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Italy’s win at Euro 2020 has a huge impact on both Chelsea players, Jorginho and Emerson.
Starting with the former, Jorginho made a name for himself at the European Championships. The former Napoli man and current Chelsea conductor isn’t necessarily the biggest name on the world football stage, but he’s now earned the respect of spectators around the globe. One year ago he was an afterthought in Frank Lampard’s post-restart Blues side. It was an injury to Billy Gilmour that saw the Italian reintroduced and he hasn’t looked back since those days. He was always an awkward fit under the English manager, which is why Lampard’s dismissal was the best thing that could’ve happened for Jorginho. Thomas Tuchel took over, reintroduced the regista into the starting XI and he’s been on another level ever since.
The midfielder—once inseparable from the shadow of Maurizio Sarri—has proved he can play in any midfield formation. Jorginho stood out as one of the best midfielders in the tournament from a deep-lying, lone role for Italy; dissimilar to the pivot he plays at Chelsea. It’s this international success that has seen him ascend from somewhat of an outcast to Ballon d’Or challenger. The latter may sound absurd considering Blues players are seldom in the discussion. Nevertheless, when one thinks about his accomplishments this season, it’s not too farfetched.
Jorginho is now a European champion with both his club and country. He and Emerson have now joined an elite group of individuals to be crowned Champions of Europe with their club and international teams in the same season. The difference between the two, as it relates to Ballon d’Or discussions, is the fact that the former played a pivotal part in both title-winning campaigns.
Italy’s win at Euro 2020 legitimizes Jorginho’s Ballon d’Or resume, regardless of whatever the boo boys on social media have to say about it. If he is able to pick up right where he left off on an individual level and bring in some more trophies for Chelsea, he’s got a shot at winning the award in December.
There won’t be any Ballon d’Or shouts for Emerson, but his efforts shouldn’t go unnoticed. The left back scored the Blues’ third goal in the UCL Round of 16 tie to finish off Atletico Madrid. He also stepped in for Italy as the starting left back after Leonardo Spinazzola’s tragic injury a few weeks ago. It’s hard not to be happy for Emerson as he’s been a consummate professional for the club, even when he hasn’t been playing. His late tournament heroics will likely see Chelsea demand a slightly higher transfer fee when Serie A clubs inevitably come calling in the coming weeks. There are already whispers of interested parties, his Italy outings have only upped the asking price.
Overall, Euro 2020 can be seen as a huge success for the Blues. Not only were they able to crown two winners in the tournament, but they also managed to see their tournament-high 17 players escape injury free—barring a few knocks here and there. Chelsea’s finalists will now take three weeks off to relax before hitting the ground running for the 2021/22 season.
Do you think Jorginho has a legitimate shot at winning the Ballon d’Or? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!