Italy manager Roberto Mancini insists Chelsea star Jorginho should win the Ballon d’Or award for his achievements in the past season.
Jorginho turned a corner last season with some exceptional displays for Chelsea and Italy. Since signing from Napoli under the regime of Maurizio Sarri, the midfielder has become an important part of Stamford Bridge and the national side.
Last season Chelsea looked like they were heading for a disappointing climax after Frank Lampard was sacked following a dismal run. However, under new manager Thomas Tuchel, the Blues found their usual rhythm and solidified to win the Champions League, beating Manchester City in the Final.
As a bonus, they also finished in the top-four in the Premier League, and Jorginho had a major role in the success. Following Chelsea’s European triumph, Jorginho later helped Italy win the UEFA Euro 2020, beating England in the Wembley Final.
No matter what, his influence on the side cannot be questioned, as he proved to be the competition’s premier midfielder. Jorginho essentially controls the tempo in the game, and his teams often have a bad match collectively when he does individually.
That is the sort of importance and influence he has over his club and the national side. Italy manager Roberto Mancini knows well about his importance in the team and has tipped Jorginho to win the Ballon d’Or this year; the midfielder, along with five of his Italian teammates and four Chelsea colleagues, including N’Golo Kante is on the 30-man shortlist of nominees.
Italian outlet Football Italia posted some of the quotes from the manager before their third-place clash in the Nations League. Mancini was then quick to point out his national team players were listed based on their own merits and not because of him.
He said, “They are there because they are good, not because of me.” Furthermore, when he asked who he might vote for among those shortlisted, Mancini had Jorginho in his mind. Mancini said, “Jorginho should, in my opinion, win the Ballon d’Or. He has won everything and deserves it a lot. It would seem strange to me otherwise.”
From a sporting point of view, Jorginho has won the Champions League and Euros, making him a deserving winner. However, the enigmatic midfielder has certain top-level stars to compete with. As we build up towards the awards announcements, a winner will be declared, and Mancini hopes it will be his star midfielder.
