Radamel Falcao has now officially signed for Chelsea FC. While a large group of Blues fans have voiced their displeasure over the prospect of Falcao v2 turning out in a Chelsea shirt next season, are there any positives of bringing the Colombian to West London?
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Even though he had an absolutely shocking season last time out with Manchester United, let’s take a look at five reasons why Falcao at Stamford Bridge isn’t necessarily a bad move.
Next: He's still Falcao
He is still Radamel Falcao
This is (was) one of the most feared strikers not only on the continent, but in the world. Falcao burst onto the scene with Porto in the 2009/10 season and went on to score 72 goals in 87 competitive appearances with the Portuguese club. This included a mega 2010/11 European campaign in which he netted 18 times in 16 games. Porto would win the UEFA Cup that year, in addition to winning the domestic league in an undefeated season.
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He then moved to Atlético Madrid for €40 million and scored 70 in 91 before injuries started to hit in after transferring to Monaco. However, despite thigh problems and a knee injury that ruled him out of the 2014 World Cup, the Colombian still managed to put together a decent record in his season and a bit in France, with 13 goals in 22 games.
Bearing this in mind, one bad season cannot be used as a reason to dismiss the player. No-one of that kind of quality can fall off the edge that quickly. He’s only 29 too, which brings us to the next reason…
Next: He's only 29
Falcao is only 29 years old
Falcao made his professional debut in 1999 at the tender age of 13, taking the field for Colombian outfit Lanceros Boyacá. He started to attract international interest in 2007 while at River Plate and he came over to Europe in 2009 with only 23 years on the clock. All this means is that he is incredibly experienced although still 29 years old.
He is far from old. Falcao should still be in the prime of his career and should he stay clear of injuries, there’s is a good chance that he could return to his prolific best.
He could also be a decent long-term solution to the problem of striker depth should the Blues eventually make the move permanent and he should have another 3 or 4 decent years in him.
He’s no 37-year-old Drogba…I hope…
Next: He's back in familiar surroundings
Falcao is back in familiar surroundings
Something that has been rather overlooked so far is the fact that at Stamford Bridge, Falcao will be closer to home than anyone could imagine.
With the Blues raiding Atlético Madrid last summer, Falcao will find friendly faces in the likes of Filipe Luis and Diego Costa, both of whom he played alongside in Spain. That’s not to mention Thibaut Courtois either, who was between the sticks for both of the Colombian’s seasons at the Vicente Calderon.
International teammate Juan Cuadrado will/may also be there. If there’s any sort of atmosphere that could get this man firing again, West London is trying its best to replicate it.
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Familiar faces always help someone to settle in whether it be in a football team or in an office, and Falcao will find them aplenty at Stamford Bridge. Hell, maybe we’ll get a chance to see some more of this:
Next: Chelsea don't really need a top striker
Chelsea don’t really need a top striker
After trying to convince you that Falcao will return to form next season, there’s always a chance that he doesn’t. But even so, it shouldn’t really matter to the Blues.
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Diego Costa is the main man for Jose Mourinho, and hence we shouldn’t be bringing in someone who would be looking to replace him. Furthermore, Mourinho’s tactics mean that only one striker is required and this will almost always be Costa.
Falcao will be playing second-fiddle to the Spanish international, and will most likely receive limited playing opportunities. While getting a goal per game from your 2nd striker would be nice, that’s not the norm and shouldn’t be the role that we expect Falcao to fulfil. A goal every other game will more than suffice.
An issue may arise if Costa continues struggling with his hamstring, but even then the boss will also have the option of calling upon Loic Remy (if he stays at Stamford Bridge) and between the two, the job should be covered.
Next: He's (relatively) cheap
Falcao is (relatively) cheap
Ok fine I lied. He’s not that cheap with his wages thought to be around £150,000 a week. Having said that, the Blues are believed to only be paying Monaco £4 million for the season-long loan. These figures are reasonable when compared to the demands of other strike options and certainly when compared with Manchester United’s astronomical terms last season.
Looking at the transfer market, there are few quality (come on, he is quality) strikers who are available for under £15 million. Chelsea are getting potentially one of the most lethal forwards in world football for £4 million.
Yes, this is only a one year agreement but the fee is negligible for modern football. If Falcao scores goals, it looks genius. If he flops, it’s not that bad economically and he goes away next summer.
His wages, though, are admittedly hefty but again that’s 21st century football for you.
Now it’s over to you guys! Has this list convinced you that the Falcao move is not actually that bad? Are you still seething that other options like Charlie Austin weren’t properly pursued? Get involved and sound off in the comments below!
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