Three reasons Chelsea should not let Juan Cuadrado leave

Chelsea’s problem on the right wing has been a long running one. And, despite Willian’s form, it doesn’t look like it’ll be solved any time soon.

The arrival of Pedro last summer was meant to ease the burden somewhat, but his own poor performances have meant the question is as rife as ever. The Blues need to sign someone to fill that berth in their side, someone who can at least come close to replicating Eden Hazard’s performances on the opposite side of the pitch.

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One man they tried, and subsequently loaned out, was Juan Cuadrado. The former Udinese winger was given limited opportunities during his brief spell at the club, before a relatively successful loan at Juventus. You would have thought that this return to Serie A would see the Colombian earn himself extra brownie points with the Blues’ hierarchy, but there is little sign of such.

Chelsea should give him a crack on the right. Here are THREE reasons why…

Who else?

Willian and Pedro registered twelve goals and eight assists in 64 combined Premier League appearances last season.

This, for their premier right sided players, is nowhere near good enough. Willian’s goals and assist records throughout his career are underwhelming, whilst Pedro has really suffered with the chance of league and increased physicality.

Chelsea’s options on the right are hardly offering all that their team needs. Cuadrado is not a prolific goal-getter or assist man himself, either, but the winger will provide a different threat.

He will hug the touchline, stretch the game and create space centrally for Oscar and/or Fabregas to roam.

Cuadrado is a different card in Conte’s box of tricks and it would be foolish to overlook him much longer. He gives them an extra attacking dimension.

This is not to mention the fact that the market for wingers is currently looking pretty bare, how would they even replace Cuadrado?

Adaptation

For all his impressive performances in Italy and for Colombia, Cuadrado, like the majority of players, needs a change to adapt.

Perhaps change his physique, his approach to the game and understand what you can and can’t get away with in English football.

It’s not like he’s adapting to a different sport, but Mourinho hardly gave him a chance to learn. He may have looked lightweight at times, but this is something that can be corrected.

With Chelsea’s obvious weaknesses in the position, at least give him a fair crack.

Perfect fit

When you’ve got a drifting left-winger, a powerful centre-forward and a packed central midfield, you desperately need someone to provide width.

Ivanovic and Azpilicueta may overlap, but neither are naturally attacking players. Cuadrado would stretch the opposition and regularly reach the byline, an approach that the Blues haven’t seen from one of their wingers since Florent Malouda at his best.

Ideally, Cuadrado would become a stalwart of the Chelsea side. Conte would need to find goals from Hazard, Costa and Oscar, but the Colombian could be a perfect fit for a team that have seen their attack blunted by sides who defend well centrally.

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