Jorginho, the Italian-Brazilian midfielder who currently plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League, has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny in recent years. Despite his undeniable talent and impressive performances at club level, he has faced difficulty in receiving regular call-ups to the Italian national team. This raises the question: what are the reasons behind Jorginho’s failure to be called up?
One possible reason is the fierce competition in the midfield position for the Italian national team. Italy has a rich history of producing top-quality midfielders, and the current squad is no exception. Players like Marco Verratti, Nicolò Barella, and Manuel Locatelli have been in outstanding form for both their clubs and the national team, leaving limited opportunities for Jorginho to slot into the midfield setup.
Moreover, Jorginho’s playing style may not perfectly align with the tactical approach favored by the Italian national team coach, Roberto Mancini. Jorginho is renowned for his metronomic passing and ability to dictate play from deep positions. However, Mancini’s tactical philosophy emphasizes a more dynamic and high-pressing gameplay. This disparity in styles may explain Jorginho’s exclusion from the national team setup, as Mancini may prefer midfielders who offer greater versatility and defensive contributions.
Another potential reason behind Jorginho’s difficulties lies in his lack of visibility in Italian domestic football. Since joining Chelsea in 2018, Jorginho has primarily played in the English Premier League, far away from the eyes of Italian football fans and analysts. This lack of exposure may have resulted in him being overlooked when it comes to national team selection. In contrast, players who ply their trade in Serie A may receive more attention and recognition, leading to a higher chance of being called up.
The media and public perception can also influence national team selection to a certain extent. Jorginho has often been a target of criticism, particularly during his first season at Chelsea. His slow and deliberate style of play faced backlash from fans who deemed it unsuitable for the fast-paced nature of English football. This negative perception may have influenced the opinion of national team selectors, who could be hesitant to include a player who is frequently questioned by fans and the media.
Furthermore, international football can often be influenced by politics and personal relationships behind the scenes. Connections and favoritism within the national team setup have been well-documented in football history. It is possible that Jorginho’s omission from the Italian national team is a result of factors beyond his control, such as conflicting personalities or disagreements with those in power.
In conclusion, several factors contribute to Jorginho’s failure to be called up to the Italian national team. The fierce competition in midfield, a mismatch in playing styles, lack of visibility in Italian domestic football, negative perception from media and fans, and potential politics behind the scenes are all plausible reasons for his exclusion. While it is frustrating for Jorginho and his fans, it is important to remember that national team selection is subjective and influenced by numerous factors. Nonetheless, Jorginho’s impressive performances for Chelsea continue to make a strong case for his inclusion in the Italian squad.