It is now only a matter of time before Chelsea confirm officially the signing of Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina.
The Serie A giants have already confirmed the deal that will see the Viola signing Mohamed Salah on loan for the rest of the season. Chelsea are reportedly dishing out €35m for the 26-year-old, who travelled to London yesterday and was at Stamford Bridge in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
His arrival has coincided with the departure of Chelsea winger Andre Schurrle who is on the verge of completing a move to Bundesliga giants Wolfsburg.
Cuadrado left a lasting impression on global football lovers with his outstanding performances during the World Cup in Brazil, and therefore there is a certain degree of excitement among the fans over his signing. Here we take a look at what Chelsea fans can expect from him in coming days.
Only signing in January
Cuadrado will represent the only major signing for the Blues in the January transfer window. Chelsea were determined to land him and didn’t back away from Fiorentina’s demands after their opening bids were rejected.
Last time when Chelsea splashed big transfer fee in January, they signed arguably the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League in Nemanja Matic – the fans will be hoping their new signing to mark a similar sort of impact like the Serbian.
Top talent and potential world class
Cuadrado is turn 27 in few months’ time from now. He is a highly talented player and could establish himself as a world class talent in few months’ time from now.
Sky Sports pundit and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry said that Juan Cuadrado will bring something extra to this team, as strikers will relish playing alongside him.
“Everybody saw the World Cup, the way he performed – he’s a special player,”
“He can beat anyone at any time and he’s a proper winger also – that’s something you don’t see often now, guys that want to go down the line and beat people and cross.
“That’s what you want if you’re a striker, so I think he will be – if he comes to Chelsea – a special player.”
Versatile – Typical Mourinho signing
Cuadrado is a versatile player who is expected to start regularly at the Bridge. He can play as right and left wing backs, as an orthodox winger, can play in the no 10 role behind the striker and has occasionally been used as striker as well.
Thereby he is a typical Mourinho signing – ask him to do anything for the team and he will be up for it. With him in the side Mourinho will have more options like never before.
Pace and Creativity
Mourinho has achieved a fair degree of success by setting his team for counter attacking football against big teams, especially away from home. Cuadrado with his menacing pace could be key in such situations.
Brazilian winger Willian is a reliable and hardworking player who is vital for Chelsea in keeping the disciplinary shapes intact. But going forward, he is not prolific, as his lack of goals suggest so. Cuadrado with more key passes per game on average would be a terrific defensive force alongside Hazard, Oscar and Fabregas.
Tactical Flexibility
Cuadrado will offer Mourinho greater tactical flexibility because of his versatility. A dangerous player going forward, Cuadrado is equally a reliable defender at the back. He will provide the much needed depth at full-back roles.
Ivanovic is the only right back Chelsea have at the moment, while Azpilicueta has established himself as a solid left-back player, with Filipe Luis mainly operating as his deputy.
Cuadrado can provide sufficient cover in situations when Chelsea might have couple of full backs injured. It’s a hypothetical situation but again it only shows how his versatility would help Chelsea in the long run.
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