NEW Chelsea signing Jorginho is already a key factor of Maurizio Sarri’s side.
That’s the view of fellow Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, who played alongside the Italy international in the Blues’ opening game of the season at Huddersfield.
Chelsea won that game 3-0 with Jorginho confidently netting a penalty to open his account for Sarri’s men.
It came after the 26-year-old followed Sarri from Napoli to Stamford Bridge with the boss replacing Antonio Conte at the helm.
And Barkley has praised his team-mate for the influence he already has over the west Londoners.
“He’s pivotal to the way we play,” said Barkley.
“He’s a real top-quality player, he gets on the ball, gets us playing and against Huddersfield you could see that’s the way it’s going to be this season.”
With Jorginho already starring in Chelsea’s midfield alongside N’Golo Kante, competition for places is tough with Cesc Fabregas also in contention.
Barkley was replaced against Huddersfield by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, though it’s been widely expected that the England international will depart Stamford Bridge on loan.
An impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace last season led to his inclusion in England’s World Cup squad.
And Loftus-Cheek then returned to Chelsea for pre-season earlier than expected to make an impression on Sarri.
With the transfer window in England closed, a deal for Loftus-Cheek would see him join a foreign club.
And The Guardian claims Schalke want Loftus-Cheek to replace Max Meyer, who signed for Palace.
But the report says Loftus-Cheek will snub Schalke’s interest because he is “convinced” he can break through at Chelsea.
Before the transfer window closed last week, Loftus-Cheek’s team-mate Eden Hazard called on the club to keep hold of the midfielder.
“Ruben is a fantastic player,” the Belgium star told the London Evening Standard.
“He is still young, of course, but I think if we can have him in the team this season it’s a plus for everyone.
“I know his quality. He is young, he is powerful.
“The future will be top for him.”