Bought by Chelsea as a January transfer splurge, Juan Cuadrado never looked settled. Now, under the guidance of long-time admirer, Antonio Conte, the Colombian can shine.
Antonio Conte’s love story with Juan Cuadrado is to finally come into fruition at Chelsea. After a fine pre-season, the Italian manager stated his intentions to keep the flamboyant winger around.
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South American flair runs through Cuadrado’s veins – with his galloping runs, cheeky flicks and infectious dancing. However, in the 13 appearances for Chelsea (in the Premier League) not once did he complete a full 90 minutes, and he failed to show any justification of the £25million+ fee.
He suffered from full-blown Torres-syndrome.
A classic case of trying too hard, with limited opportunity to do so. Perhaps Cuadrado is the best example of the step up in speed from Serie A to the Premier League. Everything he attempted was telegraphed; even in defence his tackles were predictable.
His loan to Juventus was inspired. Starring in 40 games for the champions he showed a renewed sense of belief.
The goal he scored against Bayern Munich in the Champions League brought to light his composure and confidence in such a high pressure situation.
Sidenote: Doesn’t that goal make you wish the Alvaro Morata rumours would come back around?
Conte-Cuadrado, Cuadrado-Conte. The romantic in me gleams when I think of how the two have just missed each other’s paths only to meet at Stamford Bridge.
It seemed like destiny that Conte would bring with him his fabled ‘three at the back’ formations, and Cuadrado would slot perfectly into a wing-back role.
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Alas, Chelsea don’t have the superstar defence Juventus have. In fact, the Blues have an incredibly bad defence.
With the formation set to be either 4-2-4 or 4-3-3, Cuadrado would have to unseat Eden Hazard or Willian to force his way into the starting XI.
After the pre-season even local Willian enthusiast Andre Carlisle stated his belief that perhaps Cuadrado should be given the chance over the Brazilian. Comparing Cuadrado’s unpredictability on the ball to Willian’s stagnation, he saw the light.
Chelsea need someone opposite Hazard to run at defenders, scare them, make them commit to challenges before drifting past them. Winning the player of the year for the Blues last season guarantees Willian will initially start on the right wing, but the Colombian should be given a chance. Fleeting substitute appearances will do nothing for his confidence, and at 28 he needs to be on the pitch from the first whistle.
He has a higher ceiling than Willian; he’s faster, a better crosser and more skillful – arguably the three most important traits in a winger. His hair is also becoming more and more like the Brazilian’s. Whoever has the biggest Afro gets the start.
Cuadrado can create copious chances for Chelsea, more than the current right winger that’s for sure.