ZOLA BACKS JORGINHO FOR BALLON D’OR

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has backed Blues midfielder Jorginho for this year’s Ballon d’Or Award. The Blues great expects Jorginho to challenge Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi for the award.

In a recent interview monitored by media outlet SBS, Zola said that Chelsea midfielder Jorginho would be a worthy challenger to the great Messi in the race for the Ballon d’Or. According to him, the award would be well deserved for the Brazilian-born Italian international if he manages to win it ahead of Messi and other challengers like Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) star KylianMbappe.

Zola said the Ballon d’Or Award is usually won by offensive players but Jorginho has done more than enough to be considered for the award as a result of his exploits for both Chelsea and the Italian national team. Jorginho was a key member of the Chelsea team who won the Champions League title last season by beating Manchester City in the final. German international Kai Havertz was the most expensive Chelsea signing last summer and he was responsible for the only goal in the 1-0 win over the Citizens during the final played in Porto.

Jorginho added the Euro 2020 title to the Champions League title he won with Chelsea as he was a key member of the Italy midfield. Jorginho and Italy ended the summer with the Euro 2020 title after beating The Three Lions during the dreaded penalty shootout. Italy beat England 3-2 on penalties after the two teams scored one goal apiece at the end of 120 minutes.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho had the most interceptions (25) at Euro 2020 ahead of club teammate N’GoloKante (14), while his 484 successful passes was only bettered by Spanish defender AymericLaporte of Manchester City (644). In addition, Jorginho created seven chances for his teammates.