“He is so important”: Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel showers praise on key midfield star

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel showers praise on Jorginho

Thomas Tuchel was all praise for Chelsea ace Jorginho after he replaced Saul Niguez against Aston Villa (h/t Football.london). The Italian was a much-required improvement to the new signing as Chelsea took control of the game against Villa.

If Chelsea or perhaps anyone needed a reminder as to why Jorginho is such a classy operator and important cog in the side, they got one. Saul had a debut to forget as he looked caught out by the pace of the Premier League. He gave away possession, kept committing fouls and did not win his midfield battles.

Within 45 minutes, Tuchel had seen enough and decided to bring on his trusted midfield general. Jorginho’s arrival meant that Chelsea took control of the game and that allowed Mateo Kovacic to press ahead and get a goal. Chelsea hardly looked in trouble after that and Romelu Lukaku added another in the dying minutes.

Tuchel spoke about the impact Jorginho has had

Jorginho’s impact was visibly felt and it was clear that he makes Chelsea tick. Thomas Tuchel was also of the same opinion as he lavished some praises towards the UEFA Player of the year.

“I’ve mentioned it many times around his well-deserved Player of the Year award, I’ve mentioned many times what’s capable of. He a very strategic player, does a high volume [of work] and with playing is full of confidence. He can implement the rhythm of our game and this is what he did. He had a close connection to Thiago [Silva], to be strong in the build-up, to find the gaps behind the high press, this is what he did.

If we played with more composure and precision in the last third, we’d been able to score earlier in the second half and score maybe more. This is what Jorgi does and this is why he is so important. He is a top player, is used to the league, and is confidence. It is a good mix.”

More Chelsea News

• John McGinn has named Chelsea star Saul Niguez as a player who he admires
• Didier Drogba has poked fun at Chelsea ace Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian’s failed celebration
• Chelsea handed blow in Matthijs de Ligt chase as Real Madrid also register interest

Tuchel might just be tempted to give Saul another crack in the starting XI when Chelsea take on Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League. While Jorgino might be a safer option, Saul will need game time to get used to the tempo. It will be interesting as to which two midfielders make the cut.