There are many reasons why Frank Lampard has been impressed by Jorginho over the past eight weeks but it was something the Italian showed during his difficult first campaign at Stamford Bridge that has arguably made the greatest mark on his new manager.
While Jorginho became caught in the crossfires of the conflict between Chelsea supporters and Maurizio Sarri last season, with many fans deciding that the midfielder was the head coach’s teacher’s pet, Lampard admired the 27-year-old’s determination to never shy away from his responsibilities.
For Lampard such commitment, that willingness to continue battling despite your own supporters jeering your name, is the mark of a leader.
“The thing I noticed from the outside last year is that he never hid,” Lampard said. “He never hid from receiving the ball on the edge of his own box or a tight area. He was always there to receive it.
“And he played really well during the run-in, I thought. That's a sign of his own character and, again, that's what the fans will applaud.
“I've said it a lot now, I said it last week as well — he's been a pleasure to work with. He also has quality. He can change a game, lead a game, own a game from midfield areas.”
Jorginho’s characteristics are beginning to become more obvious on the training pitch too, the manager believes. “I see day-to-day what playing for this club means,” Lampard added. “He's just a fantastic sportsman who cares deeply. When you have a training session that might fall below standard or drop for a moment, he's the one who drives it up again.”
To have the away end at Norwich last week chanting his name was a significant moment considering the noises from the stands had been far less positive a short few months ago. Unsurprisingly Lampard wants to hear more encouragement.
“I do think that with fans, they are generally pretty honest,” he said. “I don't want to talk about last year but what they are seeing now is a player who has a drive, has a determination as a team player. I'm certainly seeing that.
“I love them singing every player's name because every player should be giving them reason to.”
