As the curtain came down on another FA Cup final defeat, few would have been more disappointed than Mason Mount. The player to be involved in more Chelsea goals than anyone else this season, was the one to miss the crucial penalty in sudden death against Liverpool.
Mount was left crestfallen on the Wembley pitch after Kostas Tsimikas sealed victory for Jurgen Klopp's men, with even Jordan Henderson comforting his England teammate in the fallout. Jorginho had his own moment with the 23-year-old in the centre of the pitch, with the Italian heading down onto his knees to embrace Mount, who was on his haunches, staring into space. While it likely did little to help, it was a much-needed gesture.
After a season encompassing a Champions League and EURO 2021 alongside a podium position in the Ballon d'Or vote, it was always going to be difficult for Jorginho to live up to the success he achieved almost 12 months ago. The former Napoli star has perhaps shown signs of lethargy due to a busy schedule over the last two years but has also shown an ability to dictate tempo few others can at Stamford Bridge.
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During the FA Cup final, Jorginho produced a very good performance. The 30-year-old helped to break up play, protected the ball in difficult positions and wore the captain's armband with Cesar Azpilicueta consigned to the bench. The Blues midfielder operated well in that capacity, being plenty vocal in any break in play, leading by example in any fight and ensuring Chelsea's voices were heard in discussions with the referee and comforting Mount at the end of the game.
With barely over 12 months remaining on Jorginho's deal, there will soon be discussions on his future and a debate about how long his career should last in west London. There is certainly an argument that the Blues should accept an offer this summer as part of a process of evolution in midfield. Though, a social media post following the game against Liverpool may suggest that Jorginho still hopes to find more success with Chelsea.
Jorginho said on Instagram: "Very disappointed from yesterday but very proud of everyone because we gave everything… now we go again for more trophies… We win together, we lose together… no matter what, we do as a family. Thank you again for the amazing support."
The sentiment is admirable amid reports of interest for Juventus, and Jorginho's play on Saturday certainly advertised what would be missing if he was to move on. In a time where the likes of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are leaving the club, talk over the future of Azpilicueta remains, and N'Golo Kante is in the same predicament as the Italian - a number of authoritative figures could all soon be plying their trade elsewhere. It will be a summer of transition at Cobham, with new ownership, new players and new contracts required.
However, extending Jorginho's contract could simply provide problems later down the line. The centre of Chelsea's midfield could stagnate, with a smaller fee achievable towards the end of another contract. Though, with a condensed period to complete transfers, perhaps another 12 months could provide a good stop-gap.
