As a player, especially in football, nothing can be better than being signed for a sizable chunk of transfer fee, and still you get onto the pitch and deliver in grand style.

The aforementioned scenario is synonymous with Chelsea’s summer signing, Jorginho. (Although, I must admit, it is still early days for Jorginho and all his praise singers at the moment.)

Italian midfielder, Jorginho who was a £52million pound signing for Chelsea this summer – from Napoli, along with Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri – has shot himself to the Premier league limelight in only his 3rd Premier League match in England.

The 26-year-old midfielder ran the show and was the chief conductor or, better put, director-general of “midfield proceedings” as Chelsea ran out 2 – 1 winners against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park when the two teams faced each other in their Match-Day 3 encounter, hours ago.

Jorginho eclipsed Chelsea’s previous passing record held by the injured Cesc Fabregas (144 successful passes), and set a new record for passes (accurate or successful passes, I must add) in a single Premier League game.


CHELSEA’s Premier League Top Passing Record by a player in a single game

1.) Jorginho vs Newcastle (2018/19 season) 158 passes

2.) Fabregas vs West Brom (2014/15 season) 144 passes

3.) Azpilicueta vs Huddersfield (2017/18 season) 137 passes


The former Napoli man, was just a few passes away (9 passes) from setting a new Premier league all-time record for successful passing in a single match; a record currently held by Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan, whom ironically set the record against Chelsea last season.

Jorginho’s record of successful passing set against Newcastle United currently stands at 158 (the second on the list of most completed passes in a premier league game). While Ilkay Gundogan’s record remains top, at 167 passes.

With a commanding presence in midfield, it is no wonder that Jorginho is looking set to become an integral part of Chelsea’s midfield dynamics. And if Cheslea Boss, Sarri’s formation today is anything to go by, there might be a lot of unhappy midfielders rotting on the bench for weeks to come.

The game against Newcastle showed just how extraordinary Jorginho can become for Chelsea in midfield. His incredible 158 complete passes means that he made a successful pass every 34 seconds, and he single-handedly accounted for 15% of the possession of the entire game.

To get a clearer picture – Jorginho completed 158 successful passes, while Newcastle United only managed 200 passes in the entire fixture; it pretty much means that Jorginho made more successful passes than the whole of Newcastle players who only managed 200 passes and 18% possession during the entire game. (Talk about Chelsea completely dominating possession)

It is safe to say that Chelsea have made a quality bargain in signing a midfield maestro in the person of Jorginho. Obviously, all games won’t be the same, and he would have his off days as well. But then, it is something of note to have a midfielder who can confidently boss the midfield on his day.

With three wins out of three for Chelsea, the team would surely be brimming with confidence. Also, new manager, Maurizio Sarri looks to be gradually winning over the dressing room and most especially the fans with his neat and eye-catching style of play which seems to be yielding its fruit.


Top 5 Premier League Record for Most Completed Passes in a Single Game

1.) Ilkay Gundogan – MAN CITY vs Chelsea (2017/18 season) – 167 passes

2.) Jorginho – CHELSEA vs Newcastle (2018/19 season) – 158 passes

3.) Yaya Toure – MAN CITY vs Stoke (2011/12 season) – 157 passes

4.) Santi Cazorla – ARSENAL vs Sunderland (2014/15 season) – 154 passes

4.) Joel Matip – LIVERPOOL vs Huddersfield (2017/18 season) – 154 passes

* Santi Cazorla and Joel Matip on a tie in 4th place with 154 completed passes


*I wonder what future and room in the long run, would be left in midfield for the likes of Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko (currently on loan at AC Milan, and already being lambasted by AC Milan boss, Gattuso after his woeful debut), Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Cesc Fabregas. Not to mention Mateo Kovacic, who is also trying to find his footing.*


And without a doubt, I believe if Jorginho keeps up with his form this season, then it is only a matter of time and game, before he breaks the overall record for most successful passing in a game, currently being held by Ilkay Gundogan (167) of Manchester City.