5 reasons why Jorginho deserves the Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi

#3 Jorginho is a player for the big occasion

Italy v Spain - UEFA Euro 2020: Semi-final

Jorginho had no qualms stepping up to take the crucial penalty for his national side at the semifinals of Euro 2020 against Spain. He repeated the feat against Villarreal for Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup. Jorginho had no trouble sending the ball into the back of the net and winning the game for his side on either occasion.

He is unfazed by the occasion and has been able to consistently perform at a high level despite the pressure. Yes, he did miss his penalty in the Euro 2020 final but that was down to an incredible save from Pickford.

Jorginho's midfield partner N'Golo Kante gets a lot of praise. But the Frenchman is only able to thrive in Chelsea's midfield because of the freedom and stability that Jorginho provides.

Imagine a double pivot where N'Golo Kante is the more mobile one despite his obvious defensive capabilities. It speaks volumes of Jorginho's tactical intelligence and ability to snuff out attacks.

What is to be noted is that he has done it consistently across the 2020-21 season and that Euro 2020 was just the icing on the cake.

#2 Jorginho excelled in Chelsea's and Italy's midfield despite contrast in styles of play

Chelsea v Leicester City - Premier League

At Chelsea, Jorginho plays as part of a double pivot. Thanks to his passing range and intelligent movement, Jorginho is able to break down opposition lines by playing through or over the lines.

For the Azzurri, Jorginho plays as a lone defensive midfielder and is left a bit exposed in the absence of Kante. But he manages to balance it out thanks to his incredible ability to read the game.

Jorginho works in silence and he is a treat to watch and study for discerning football viewers. His job is to keep things tidy and slip under the radar and he does that job to perfection.

#1 Jorgnho's trophy haul

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final

Individual awards like the Ballon d'Or are often decided by tangibles. That's why goalscorers and forwards who register plenty of goal-creating actions are usually the frontrunners to win the award.

However, Jorginho's achievements are a case of intangibles translating to his side performing well and winning trophies. He was a vital cog in the Chelsea side that won the UEFA Champions League and in the Italian side that won Euro 2020.

Jorginho has won the UEFA Super Cup as well with Chelsea. He has won three titles and two of them are as big as they come. Lionel Messi has won the Copa Del Rey and the Copa America titles but they're just not on par with Jorginho's trophy haul this year.