Juan Cuadrado: It’s Amazing To Be Here At Chelsea FC
By Lou Flavius
Chelsea FC winger Juan Cuadrado seems to be settling into his new surroundings quite well. The versatile Colombian put pen to paper on transfer deadline day, sealing a move from Fiorentina.
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Cuadrado — a fan favourite back in Italy — enjoyed a stellar World Cup last summer, catching the eye of many a manager. The fact that Fiorentina were able to hold on to him this long was quite the surprise.
Now at Chelsea, the winger has said how happy he is to be part of a squad which has the potential to become the best Blues’ side ever. Having watched legends Didier Drogba and John Terry whilst growing up, Cuadrado has admitted that he is in awe at the fact that he can now share a locker room with such great winners.
"“I am very happy to be part of this team, I’m very grateful to have been given this possibility to live what has been a childhood dream for me, which is to play for a very big club — in fact, one of the best clubs in the world.”“To be on the same team as all these big players is amazing for me, not only from a football point of view and how I can grow as a player, but also personally, to be surrounded by so many champions. It’s always going to make you want to grow and improve even more.”“I didn’t know any of the players personally before I joined, but obviously when I was younger I used to see some of them on television, players like Drogba and Terry. To now be on the same team as them, and to train with them every day is such a dream come true.-Juan CuadradoSource: Chelseafc.com"
Juan Cuadrado, major contributor to Colombia’s World Cup campaign – Credit: Chrisgr22 (Flickr Creative Commons)
Cuadrado could be the answer to Chelsea’s right-side offensive problems — so to speak. Brazilian winger Willian has been a regular on the right this season. His pace, energy and work rate has seen him become a Jose Mourinho favourite, but with only one league goal and assist, it would be fair to say that he could do much better.
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Serbian right back Branislav Ivanovic has been the main provider of offense from the right. The defender is always making forward runs and crossing balls into the box. Sad to say, he has scored three times as much as Willian, setting up four goals as well.
His runs have often left space in behind for the opposition to attack; and while Chelsea have seldom been made to pay, they have been caused a few problems by attackers on that flank. This places an extra burden on their center backs, who constantly have to provide cover.
With Cuadrado in front of him, Ivanovic can sit further back and allow the Colombian to take up the offensive duties on the right side.
Much like Eden Hazard, Cuadrado was the most fouled player in his league. His pace and dribbling skills will be of much use to the Blues. He isn’t afraid to run at defenders, and has the ability to cut inside and score. If he can replicate his Viola form at Chelsea, it would be like having two Hazards — one on either flank.
The winger hasn’t been with the club very long, but he has already hailed the team spirit. Chelsea do have a way of making players feel right at home, and Cuadrado is no exception. Jose Mourinho has also made a huge impact on the player, he hopes to improve his game under the Portuguese’ tutelage.
"“In football you have to play for each other, and I can already see that’s what they do here. There is a real sense of togetherness and a big union within the team.”“Jose Mourinho has won everything and I think he is going to bring a lot to my game, but also I am going to look to learn a lot from him and grow by his side,’ says the 26-year-old.‘I think he is going to be able to bring the best out of me and I am looking forward to developing as a footballer here.”"
Cuadrado — who has never played in the Champions League — has been named to Chelsea’s European squad, he has vowed to give his all to help the team progress, but his biggest aim is to help them lift the Premier League trophy in May.
"“I’m very happy about it, I’ve never played in the Champions League before and I’m going to put everything into it.”“Obviously one of my biggest aims is to help the team win the Premier League, that’s my principle goal.”"
Chelsea are still top of the table, with a five-point lead over Manchester city. They will travel to Villa Park tomorrow, possibly handing Cuadrado his first opportunity to fulfill his objective. If he does get to play, don’t be too surprised if he makes a meaningful contribution.