Rafa Benitez highlighted Jorginho as the ‘key player’ for Chelsea if they are to overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League tonight, writing for the Times.
A huge test awaits the Blues later today when they travel to Spain for their semi-final clash with Madrid.
Zinedine Zidane will be eyeing up his fourth triumph in this competition.
Thomas Tuchel is aiming to avenge his finale defeat with Paris Saint Germain last season.
It will be an intriguing battle between two excellent coaches, both looking to rubber stamp their mark again on the European stage.
Benitez, who won the Europa League whilst managing Chelsea in 2013, identified Jorginho as potentially being the lock to unpick Madrid’s master plan.
The former Blues boss said: “I also know about Jorginho. I signed him for Napoli from Verona for about €6 million (about £4.95 million at the time).
“He was playing very quickly, always with one or two touches, he has vision and his understanding of the game was very good.
“He links the play very well because he is always in the right positions and gives solutions to his team-mates.
“He became an important player for Napoli and can be a key player for Chelsea in midfield.
“There were questions about whether he would cope with English football because of his physicality and maybe he is not the quickest.
“But speed lies in his thinking and that is crucial in a Champions League semi-final. The right pass at the right time can be the difference.”
Jorginho has divided opinion ever since he signed for Chelsea from Napoli in 2018.
His role in Maurizio Sarri’s side was often criticised for being overly obsessed with passing and possession, rather than progression up field.
However, supporters and rivals alike are beginning to appreciate the Italian internationals credibility following Tuchel’s arrival.
He is more involved in instigating attacks rather than slowing them down, whilst his midfield partnerships with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are really impressive.
Kante and Jorginho will most likely pair up against Madrid, with Kovacic still injured.
The prospect of Chelsea’s duo coming face to face with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos should excite any diehard football fan.
It could also be the area where this game is won and lost, so certainly keep an eye out for that particular duel.
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