Jorginho: Why Frank Lampard was so excited to work with Chelsea midfielder

Frank Lampard has spoken of his excitement to coach Jorginho after being appointed Chelsea boss in the summer.

The 41-year-old tactician enjoyed an illustrious playing career at Stamford Bridge and is looking to replicate that as their manager.

Jorginho a Lampard favourite? Four key things to know…

• Jorginho is one of two Chelsea players to play every single Premier League minute under Lampard (other being Kepa).
• Lampard cited Jorginho’s bravery in possession as the reason behind his excitement.
• Jorginho is averaging 77.1 passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League, more than any Chelsea player with 5+ appearances.
• Only Fikayo Tomori (2.3) averages more interceptions per 90 than Jorginho (2.1).

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Lampard would succeed Maurizio Sarri after the Italian opted to return to his homeland once Juventus made an offer he couldn’t refuse, but he left behind deep-lying playmaker Jorginho, whom he brought along from Napoli last year.

Jorginho, 27, enjoyed a mixed debut season in west London and was subjected to shows of dissatisfaction from the crowds as he would collect a Europa League winners medal.

Lampard, during the 2018/19 campaign his first managerial season, was spearheading Derby County to a Championship play-off final. However, they’d fall short against Aston Villa but it was enough to convince his former club.

Watching from afar, he was impressed by Jorginho, who has become an integral fixture in his youthful looking Chelsea side and Lampard — no stranger to the middle of the park — outlined why he took a special liking to the Italian metronome.

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“I’ve got to say, I watched him in a lot of the games in the run-in last year – I know he had a bit of a tough time – but I was really struck by his bravery on the ball. He always wanted it,” he told Sky Sports.

“I was excited to work with him, and from day one in pre-season, we had a possession game, it was clear his ability on the ball.

“What’s become even clearer since then, his attitude and what he does with the group, he’s driven. That’s why I’ve made him vice-captain. He’s one of those infectious players, he cajoles players on the pitch, before the game. I’ve loved to see the fans’ reaction to him.

“One thing a fan will always do – and I’m a fan – is that when you see someone giving everything, passion, drive, they will always react to that. You’ve seen that with Jorginho.”

Chelsea play Watford at Stamford Bridge at 17.30 on Saturday.