Jorginho key for Sarri

The Brazilian while with Napoli was the heartbeat of the team.  His build up play and tactical understanding was essential in Napoli playing through the thirds. His excellent Serie A career earned him the big money move to Chelsea upon Sarris arrival and although he has had a mixed season with the Blues his quality as a top class central midfield player is evident.
Key characteristics of Jorginho:

• Plays between lines, behind the striker

• His movement to get on the ball is exceptional, against one striker he plays in the diagonal pocket and against 2 strikers who try to prevent him getting on the ball he moves to the side either freeing up himself or a team mate

• Watch his communication vis body language, when centre backs have the ball he is constantly communicating verbally and non verbally providing support

• Knows his surroundings, always checking shoulders, turning his head, receiving on the half turn

• Plays on limited touches 1-2 touch and always looks to play forward

• When full back advances he covers the side the full back vacates which provides protection

• Available to play back to should ball need to be recycled or switched

• Has a wide variety of passing skills, driven, lofted, side foot, outside of the boot

• Can break lines with a dribble if needed

Down side of his game is he sometimes gets isolated especially if opposition play with two attacking mids or a false 9 where he becomes outnumbered. Solution would be to put Kante in with him as a 2 but Sarri is tern in the way he plays and wants Kante further up the field.
A mixed season from Chelsea in 2018/19 but one thing is certain, Jorginho is Sarris’ golden boy!

Cheers!

Coach Derek