Frank Lampard has praised the influence of Chelsea midfielder Jorginho on and off the pitch and has confirmed that the Italian is the club’s vice-captain behind Cesar Azpilicueta.
A much-maligned figure in Maurizio Sarri’s system last season, Jorginho has won over fans playing under successor Lampard with a string of fine displays in midfield.
Lampard has been hugely impressed with the £52million signing and believes he is key to the way he wants to play football, as well as being an important presence in the dressing room.
Asked if the 27-year-old has now assumed the role of vice-captain, Lampard said: ‘Yes, Jorginho is vice-captain as it stands.
‘Azpi [Azpilicueta] is captain, that was clear at the start of the season, and I think his professionalism and his career here speaks for itself.
‘And Jorginho, I keep talking about him as a character, and he’s a driver. I think it’s very evident to see on the pitch. So that’s the situation as it stands.’
On how quickly Jorginho has learnt English, Lampard continued: ‘It’s obviously important. I think we always try here to push that along as soon as players come in because communication is key, on and off the pitch, in the dressing room.
‘He crosses the borders, if there are any. It’s easy to come in and stay within your groups and nationalities, and Jorginho doesn’t. He’s a driver, on and off the pitch.’
Lampard has an almost fully fit team to choose from, though says he will make a late assessment on N’Golo Kante after his injury troubles.
He added: ‘That’s something we’ll have to watch over the next 24-48 hours to make sure he is [fit]. He’s still sort of on a semi-recovery, as they all are from the trip to Lille and the game. And the fact he hasn’t played much.
‘But in terms of the injury, he’s fine. So there’s no fallout from that from the game, it’s just about making sure he’s fit and ready and that’s obviously a call for myself.’
