Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has been named as the club vice-captain by manager Frank Lampard.
Once seen as a pet favorite of former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri, was jeered and ridiculed by boo-boys earlier this year. But Since Sarri has been replaced by Lampard Jorginho has experienced a renaissance in the eyes of Chelsea fans.
Lampard has encouraged £57.4million signing to play more forward passes and get forward more rather than just play sideways and backward passes like how he was accused of doing under Sarri.
Frank Lampard confirmed the Brazilian’s new status within the team ahead of their game against Southampton on Sunday.
Lampard said: “Jorginho is vice-captain and Azpi is captain, which has been clear since the start of the season because his professionalism and career here speaks for itself.
“Jorginho is a big character and a driver for us, which is very evident to see on the pitch.
“It’s obviously important [to speak English]. We always try here to push that along as soon as players come in because communication is key on and off the pitch.
“He crosses the borders if there are any because it’s easy sometimes to come in and stay within your nationality groups.”
Despite the 27-year-old often being accused of lacking physicality and not knowing how to defend, he is leading the race among defensive midfielders in the country in terms of tackle success, interceptions, recoveries and big chances created.
Jorginho scored from the spot in Chelsea’s last Premier League game against Brighton last Saturday and will be determined to put in another good performance when Chelsea travel to Southampton.
