Fits like a glove. A trait that is difficult to acquire quickly in today’s football ends up being reserved for those with special talents. But that is exactly what was expected of Jorginho upon his arrival at Flamengo. Since the middle of the year, it has been strictly followed. This may be too much for a player who arrived in Rio de Janeiro with a European brand but is still a newcomer to this new challenge.
The 33-year-old, from Santa Catarina, had never played professionally in South America until he moved from English club Arsenal last June to compete in the Club World Cup with Rio. Less than half a year later, he has become the technical and emotional leader of the team that will compete in the Libertadores final today, at 6pm, against Palmeiras.
Jorginho has experience, having already played for big teams such as Napoli and Chelsea, in addition to the Italian national team. The CV includes Champions League and European Championship titles, as well as a third-place finish in the Ballon d’Or, all in 2021. Although all of this practically disappears when arriving at a new football reality, adaptation has never looked like an issue at any point.
His main character is most evident as a penalty taker, where he has scored four goals in 27 matches and provided three assists. The quality comes from his great days at Chelsea and in the national team, but scoring is not even his main specialty. The good news for coach Filipe Luis and the fans is to have a player who thinks about his time on the field differently.
Jorginho is a key component in keeping the football flowing for the current Flamengo side, and in the games in which he has been injured this season, his impact has been evident in his release of the ball, distribution of plays as well as his marking. It’s that invisible game that can only be appreciated by looking beyond the stats.
Behavior on the field is also a “nuisance” for the player who organizes the team and always gives orders to other teammates. He is able to play well alongside the more technical and experienced players in the team, such as Arrascaeta, Pulgar and Saúl, and youngsters who thrive with guidance, such as Evertton Araújo.
Negotiations between the club and the player began at the beginning of this year, and the transfer process was completed last June. During this period, there were also consultations from other clubs, including Palmeiras itself. After all, getting a player of this quality is a wish for any team, but for him, the choice was not difficult.
-Flamingo’s greatness speaks for itself. This is because of the size of the club and how much I want to return to Brazil to have my first experience here and I am in good shape. Having lived abroad for so long, I think those who are there have no idea how big this is. “You really need to come here and live this experience,” Jorginho said in an interview with ge. -There are many things behind the scenes. I spoke with Palmeiras, as well as with other teams. There was no reason not to go there and come here. He revealed that talks are taking place with one team and another, and a decision is reached.
In the two finalist teams, there are players looking for redemption or a resumption of the tournament, which is what a decision of this magnitude allows. However, for Jorginho, this is a chance to win his first trophy at a new club that he is quickly adapting to and has already become indispensable.