Jorginho didn’t start against Arsenal at the weekend, but his introduction after half an hour really changed the game.
Most people pointed to the way that his arrival precipitated a change to 433, but actually after the game Frank Lampard said it was more his force of personality that was the difference.
Reading the midfielder’s quotes on Goal.com after the game, you can see what Lampard means. He’s not taking any excuses from those on the pitch just because of their age:
“I tried to push my mates [when subbed on]. We were a bit soft at the beginning and I tried to change [that] because we needed to change our mindset. We were not fighting enough. I don’t know why. Sometimes it can happen.
“Not just the older players. Of course, the younger players need more help but youth is not an excuse, you just have to be ready, prepared for the game, prepared to fight, because you are playing for Chelsea in the Premier League and that’s it.”
We like to read that. These young players need time and patience, but standards are standards, and they have to be held to the very highest if they want to play for Chelsea.
Jorginho has been playing at a Champions League level for a few years and he knows what’s required. That’s why it’s vital to have a blend of youth and experience in the team, and in the squad, and why having leaders like Jorginho – either in the team or on the bench – will never go out of fashion.
