Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has insisted he deserves to be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, given his success for club and country last season.
The Italian midfielder has established himself as a key man for Thomas Tuchel’s side over the last year, putting his rocky start to life at Stamford Bridge firmly behind him.
He was a key player after the German’s arrival in January, playing a starring role alongside N’Golo Kante in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield as they went on to win the Champions League.
It was a similar story for him in Roberto Mancini’s Italy team, where he is also a key player in centre of their midfield alongside, starring alongside Nicolo Barella and Marco Verratti as part of a midfield three.
He was a key player in their success at the Euros in the summer, playing a starring role as they went on to secure the trophy with a win over England.
As a result, he finds himself in the running for the Ballon d’Or, with Chelsea and Italy fans alike calling for the midfielder to be credited for the role he played in the successes for his club and country.
It’s a sentiment the midfielder shares, insisting that he shouldn’t really be compared to the likes of Ronaldo, Neymar and Messi.
“Yes, I consider myself a candidate,” he told Placar.
“Because of my achievements and my performances last season. I won two of Europe’s biggest tournaments, something that few other players have ever done.
“Of course, my characteristics are totally different to those of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Mbappé and others. I don’t have their goals or assists, and nor should I, given my position on the pitch.
“But I’m convinced of what I’ve done, and I’m sure I have good credentials to compete for the Ballon d’Or.”
