A View From The Bridge

“Would be unusual”- Ex-PL midfielder backs 29-year-old Chelsea ace for prestigious award following European glory

Danny Murphy backs Chelsea star Jorginho for Ballon d’Or 2021

According to talkSport (h/t Football.london), former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes Chelsea star Jorginho could win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Italian international is coming off the back of an excellent year that saw him win the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea and the Euros with the Azzurri. It puts him in an excellent position to win the game’s biggest individual prize.

Murphy certainly thinks so and believes attaining international glory with Italy could swing the pendulum in Jorginho’s favour. Hopefully, that proved to be the case.

“I think it would be unusual for a midfielder but this time with Jorginho, he probably could win it after the Euros with Italy.”

Jorginho is a vital player in Roberto Mancini’s Italy. (imago Images)

Murphy realises that it is not easy for a midfielder to win the prestigious award. In fact, forwards usually are the favourites given their ability to find the back of the net.

“Do midfielders beat forwards for the Ballon d’Or because goals is what people remember and love and is one of the hardest things to do in football.”

Luka Modric remains the only midfielder to have won the award in the last 17 years. Jorginho has certainly outdone the Croatian’s achievements from 2018 and should stand a good chance. He could, however, face stern competition from Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski who continue to be prolific.

Jorginho won the Champions League last season

A number of Italian legends have also thrown their weight behind the 29-year-old to win the award. This includes 2006 World Cup winning manager Marcelo Lippi. He has in no uncertain terms claimed that the Chelsea star is deserving of the accolade.

“Jorginho should receive the Ballon d’Or this year, not the usual suspects.”

Jorginho is one of five Chelsea players who have made the 30 members shortlist for the award. Others in the fray include Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, Romelu Lukaku and Mason Mount.

More Chelsea News

Jorginho admits that being nominated is nothing short of a dream come true. Something unfathomable just a year ago, his performances on the field have seen him prove his doubters otherwise. Hopefully, a Ballon d’Or will go on to shut them up for good.

Pranav Nair

Recent Posts

Chelsea shortlist two names as Maresca keen to strengthen one key area

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…

19 hours ago

Chelsea ready to cash in on £20m star in January

Chelsea are willing to offload Carney Chukwuemeka in January amid interest from Ipswich Town Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has some…

20 hours ago

Noni Madueke praises Cole Palmer, and says he doesn’t have a ceiling

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has sung the praises of his teammate, Cole Palmer, describing him as a player with extraordinary…

1 week ago

Fan Power: How Chelsea Fans Could Stop Stamford Bridge Move

Ask any matchday Chelsea fan who the CPO are, and they’ll tell you that it stands for the Chelsea Pitch…

3 weeks ago

Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of €427,308 per week striker

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a signing move for the Juventus Center forward in winter.

3 weeks ago

Former Arsenal star raves about Chelsea’s midfield maestro

Cole Palmer is taking the headlines for the performances he has been putting in since moving to Chelsea in the…

1 month ago