Juan Cuadrado has been the subject of so much conversation lately. There have been rumors, comparisons, evaluations, and comments. So through all the news and all the theories, how do we begin to form an opinion on the Colombian winger?
One aspect that we can all agree on, is that the lad has not impressed us so far in his Chelsea career. The 27-year-old has looked flat in attack, sloppy in possession, and showing little impetus to change the game when he is in. This created a situation where Jose Mourinho didn’t want to use him as regularly as he would have used former Chelsea winger Andre Schürrle. Whenever he was sparingly used, he failed to impress and the cycle continued on until the end of the season. So now taking stock as the summer transfer window inches closer, how should Jose Mourinho handle Juan Cuadrado?
As one of Cuadrado’s critics myself, it is difficult to advise against giving him a chance. I view him as a panic buy, someone who is not the type of quality that Chelsea boasts in their squad. That being said, we paid £26 million for him, and have to give him more than half a season to prove his worth. But why should we give him this chance? He certainly hasn’t earned it in his playing time.
There are several reasons to give him his chance. First and foremost, he is a player purchased by Jose Mourinho. I am not saying the Portuguese tactician doesn’t make mistakes. But he has earned the right for us to trust his decisions, especially considering we have only let this one play out for a few months.
The manager himself has recently come out and backed Cuadrado.
“Cuadrado is not going anywhere this summer,” Mourinho told DirecTV. “People don’t know Cuadrado yet, I have seen him many times when we were both in Italy, me at Inter and him at Udinese. Because of that I have a lot of hopes for him for next season. I hope in the Copa America he can regain his self-esteem, his ego and that he has that joy of playing.”
These comments have all the signs of a manager who trusts both the player and his decision to sign him. He doesn’t seem nervous or worried that his purchase won’t work out, and why should he? It’s only a few months in. Not every player can be signed and set the Premier League alight like Diego Costa has. Therefore, we shouldn’t have these types of expectations for every player we bring in.
Furthermore, the Colombian’s pedigree speaks for it self. The winger had a brilliant World Cup with Colombia. He also came highly regarded from his career in Italy. He is a player whose reputation should allow him a of couple months of time to adjust. Keep in mind that last summer, he was a player on the radar of Barcelona, the team who went on to win the treble. There is definitely substance there, and we should allow it time to play out.
Finally, there is one more reason to believe Cuadrado will come good. Chelsea are currently being linked with Colombian striker Falcao. In his prime, the 29-year-old striker was a lethal up top, and their connection at the international level could come in handy to help resurrect both of their careers. Both need a push, and with both countrymen at Stamford Bridge, playing under Jose Mourinho, both could turn their stalling careers around.
Overall, sticking by Cuadrado is something that Chelsea fans must get used to. He will be at Stamford Bridge next season; I can almost guarantee that. Jose Mourinho has backed him, and we must as well. If he fails to perform next season, then we can let him go, but until then, we should stick by our man.
