The midfielder’s passing game was a key part of our possession-based style last season, but under Lampard this term, he is one of the players flourishing in the new-found freedom the squad is enjoying on the pitch.

He has been one of the standout performers of 2019/20 so far and that freedom has allowed people to see just how much he can offer to the team in all areas, showing himself to be a complete midfielder. That has silenced plenty of his doubters, as well as earning him a strong appreciation from the Chelsea supporters, something which isn’t lost on the Italian international.

‘I absolutely have noticed that change. That’s why I’m so happy,’ he said. ‘I’m happy they are seeing me in a different light and they’re seeing the complete player that I am, so actually that’s really cool right now and it’s a really great moment to be playing.

‘It’s really rewarding because it’s great to be feeling acknowledged for the work you’re putting in, so I couldn’t be happier with things at the moment.

‘It’s just great that I can see the fans looking at who I am, Jorginho the player, and at the same time I’m really happy to look at them and see their reaction and feel their support.’

Part of his new role in the team has seen him step up to become one of the side’s most senior figures, despite only being in his second season in English football, with Lampard recognising Jorginho’s leadership qualities and making him our vice-captain in the summer.

‘I’m really enjoying it,’ he added. ‘I feel I’m able to take on this new sort of responsibility and really help my team-mates. That’s something new for me in my career, but it’s not something that’s changed for me as a person.

‘I don’t think it’s anything I’ve changed, it’s always been like that for me on the pitch and perhaps people are noticing it more, but for me it’s always been that way. When I’m out there I always want to help my team-mates.’

Back with the Blues

Ashley Cole was a Chelsea legend as a player, winning a plethora of silverware during his eight years at Stamford Bridge, including being one of those who slotted home from the penalty spot in our famous shoot-out victory against Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final.

Now, after hanging up his boots, the former England international has returned to our Cobham training ground to pass on the benefits of his experience to the next generation of Blues by coaching in our Academy.

Cole discusses his new role with the club in detail, his plans for the future and how he is learning a new appreciation for the coaches he has worked with during his career.

‘As a player, you just turn up for a session and do it,’ he explained. ‘If it’s a possession drill, you just arrive and try to keep the ball, but now I’m getting to understand there are always ideas behind a particular session or practice.

‘Organisation has to be key and those are the little details that it takes to be a great coach.’

Over land and sea

This month’s 10 Great… feature has a rundown of some of Chelsea’s greatest Champions League away trips of all time. From early visits to Istanbul and Milan to more recent matches in Barcelona and Madrid, there have been plenty of memorable games on the road in Europe, and you can relive all the drama and emotion from some of the best with Chelsea magazine, while reminding yourself why Blues fans still sing about Dennis Wise’s goal at the San Siro.

What else?

Former Chelsea striker Clive Allen shares his memories of his second sporting career, when he switched to American football as a kicker for the London Monarchs in NFL Europe, including coming back to Stamford Bridge with his new capital team.

The latest former Chelsea hero to have his career shown through the camera lens is John Hollins, sharing some of the best photographs from his time at the heart of our midfield in the Sixties and Seventies, his second spell as a player helping us to promotion back to the top flight, and then in the dugout as Blues manager.

There are further interviews with Chelsea Women goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and Academy defender Dynel Simeu, as well as all the latest club news and plenty more.

The December edition of Chelsea magazine is available to buy for £3.95 in the Chelsea Megastore at Stamford Bridge and all good newsagents. It can also be ordered online.