KEY POINTS

  • Jorginho won the UEFA Player of the Year award
  • He won the UCL title last season and Euros 2020
  • He has been with Chelsea since 2018

Jorginho hailed his Chelsea teammate Romelu Lukaku, saying the Belgian forward is a hard worker and "his big impact is well deserved" ahead of their Premier League clash with Spurs on Sunday.

Lukaku, who moved from Italian club Inter Milan to Chelsea this summer, has had an instant impact on The Blues, scoring four goals in as many matches. His influence at Chelsea has come as no surprise for Jorginho, who recently received the Player of the Year award following his contribution to Chelsea’s Champions League victory and Italy’s Euros 2020 title.

During the Euros 2020, Jorginho formed a crucial partnership with midfielder Nicola Barella, who was Lukaku’s teammate at Inter Milan.

In an interview with Chelsea’s official website Thursday, Jorginho revealed that Barella and other Italian players had only good words to say about the Stamford Bridge side’s new signing, Lukaku.

"They said he works a lot, he can help a lot, not just the way he plays but he tries to talk, he works hard. We are really happy that he is really helping everyone. That is what everyone does here. We try to help each other. He came with the right mentality. I’m really happy for him because he works so hard during training and he deserves every goal that is coming. His big impact is well deserved," Jorginho told Chelsea’s media ahead of the away match against Spurs.

Jorginho's penalty at the Stadio Olimpico helped secure Italy's place at the finals of Euro 2020
Jorginho's penalty at the Stadio Olimpico helped secure Italy's place at the finals of Euro 2020 AFP / Alberto PIZZOLI

Jorginho, who has made six competitive appearances for Chelsea in 2021-22, also credited head coach Thomas Tuchel for playing a key role in Chelsea’s successful Champions League campaign. The Italian midfielder also mentioned the German boss’ contribution in bringing the best out of him.

"He is two different guys. The guy you see on the touchline is not the same guy outside the pitch. He is very friendly outside the pitch, and on the pitch, he is focused and wants the best from us. He is a perfectionist. He works hard, and he tries to give his best to help everyone. He demands a lot because he knows what we can give," Jorginho explained.

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