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This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more... 

"I will continue to do my job and, without doubt, I believe I can show my worth and change their minds."

When a player publicly comes out and accepts fan criticism and desperately vows to turn things around, it often doesn't end up particularly well. But after a fine pre-season showing against Barcelona, Jorginho could well be on his way to silencing the doubters.

The Italy international was essentially seen as Maurizio Sarri's 'prodigal son' when the pair made their way to English shores together from Napoli last summer. By the end, Jorginho was seen as symbolic of Sarri's failed approach to implement his Sarri-ball, and there were some serious questions as to what the future would hold for the midfielder when the latter left Stamford Bridge earlier this summer.

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On the chalkboard

Despite all that, Frank Lampard's arrival may just have given Jorginho a new lease of life. Under Sarri, he was used as the deepest-lying midfielder in a 4-3-3. In Lampard's early weeks in charge, the club legend has seemingly favoured a 4-2-3-1, and given Jorginho an extra partner alongside him. So far, this one change to a double pivot in midfield has paid rich dividends.

The Italian's influence and game was quickly figured out by opposition teams last term, who would simply have someone man-mark him out the match, but the 27-year-old now has a partner to help ease the play-making burden on his shoulders.

Against Barcelona, it was Mateo Kovacic who stepped up to the role, but when N'Golo Kante returns from injury, the Frenchman could resume his old duties as the tenacious ball-winning midfielder, allowing the Italian pass-master to venture further forward.

A change in shape could bring the very best out of the midfielder and wouldn't it be so brilliantly ironic if Jorginho - the man deemed as being Sarri through and through - ends up becoming Chelsea's most important player under Lampard next season.