Chelsea's Jorginho: From boos to Europe's player of the year

Chelsea’s Jorginho: From boos to Europe’s player of the year

Chelsea's Italian midfielder Jorginho reacts at the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London on August 14, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Italy’s midfielder Jorginho (L) celebrates with Italy’s forward Lorenzo Insigne (C) and Italy’s defender Emerson after opening the scoring during the UEFA Nations League A, Group 1 football match Italy vs Poland on November 15, 2020 at the Mapei stadium in Reggio Emilia. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images) /

4. Summary

It’s always tricky giving out individual awards for a team game. Jorginho did not win Chelsea’s player of the season last year and few likely had him in the running. He wasn’t the best player for Chelsea in the Champions League (which is why N’Golo Kante won the Midfielder of the Year award over Jorginho). Jorginho wasn’t Italy’s best player either. So why did he win Player of the Year?

In a twist of fate, Jorginho won his individual award because it is a team game. Just as things around him had to change to bring the best out of him, Jorginho managed to bring the best out of those around him in turn. It’s not a mistake that he started most matches in route to the Champions League and Euros finals. It’s not a mistake that, when Jorginho was playing at his best, others around him were playing even better.

Jorginho’s role has never really been about playmaking or defense. It’s been about a rising tide lifting all boats. His trophy haul this year may not be down to him alone, but the effect he’s had on teams has been palpable. It’s taken a lot of stopping and starting and improving to get to this point, but that’s why the culmination feels so special.

Jorginho is likely never going to be the best player on any of his teams. He’s never going to be the player he was hyped up to be nor is he going to be the player he was assumed to be by detractors. But he will be a key figure for any side he takes part in and he will make those around him better. He’s the best player in Europe right now because he’s a multiplier, and Chelsea is lucky to have him.

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What do you think about Jorginho’s trajectory over time? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!

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