'Jorginho critics don't understand football'

By Football Italia staff

Chelsea defender David Luiz has suggested Jorginho’s critics do not understand football, highlighting that it is not the Italy man’s job to set up goals.

Jorginho was attacked by sections of the English media for failing to provide an assist in more than 2,000 passes, but Luiz urged detractors of his Chelsea teammate to check the numbers posted by other deep-lying midfielders.

“I know what it is like for Jorginho,” the Brazilian said before the Blues’ League Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, reports the Evening Standard.

“When I re-signed for Chelsea, I remember on the first day that people were laughing about it and not showing me any respect.

“People can have their opinion, but if they express it with more respect, it’s nicer. But some people in the world don’t have the same education or politeness. Jorginho is a great player.

“It’s because he plays for Chelsea. When you play for Chelsea, a big team, you have to understand everyone is going to criticise you. But when things go well, everybody claps their hands for you.

“When you are at a big, big team you have to understand that this is normal. He is a player that has played at the top level for some time.

“He’s played for Italy, he’s played for Napoli, but it is something he has to get used to more at Chelsea.

“It is his first season in England — and that is never easy for anybody — but he is doing an amazing job.

“This Spurs match is as important a game for Jorginho as it is for everybody else. I don’t think it is fair to talk about the number of assists he has made without comparing him to players who play in the same deep position.

“It all depends on the philosophy and how you play. I think the way he is playing provides energy for us, moving the ball and making the team keep moving.”

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