Italy forward Lorenzo Insigne has put forward international team-mate Jorginho as a surprise candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Jorginho has been in excellent form for Chelsea since the arrival of head coach Thomas Tuchel in January, featuring as an ever-present when available in the side that won the Champions League back in May.
The Blues also reached the final of the FA Cup, and finished in the top four of the Premier League on the final day of the season.
Mainly a defensive midfielder by trade, the Italian ended the season as Chelsea’s top league goalscorer, with 7 goals to his name.
Back in April, Jorginho praised the effect that Tuchel had already made on Chelsea – including on his own game.
He told the Daily Mail: “He has definitely made a big impact. Straight away he understood what he had to work with and how to get the best from us.
“He understood what to say and what to expect from the players.
“He understood my characteristics. The way to play with short passes when we need short passes and long balls when we need long balls.”
He has started all four of Italy’s games during Euro 2020, establishing himself as a key member of Roberto Mancini‘s side in the tournament.
Where the Ballon d’Or is concerned, Insigne says that his international team-mate deserves to be in contention.
Insigne praises Jorginho
He explained, when asked if Jorginho deserves to win the Ballon d’Or: “We have quality players. You talked about Jorginho and it’s correct.
“He had spent some fantastic years at Chelsea and I am proud to have him in our team.
“I’m not the one deciding if he deserves the Ballon d’Or but I hope he’ll be shortlisted. He deserves so, he is a great player.
“I call him the professor and we are all happy to play with him.”
Italy’s Euro 2020 campaign continues when they take on Belgium in the quarter-finals in Munich on July 2.
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