After a move worth just over £26 million from Fiorentina, expectations for Juan Cuadrado were high. After a series of poor performances from Willian, the right sided Colombian seemed to be the perfect man to provide competition for the stuttering Brazilian. With 26 goals in 106 appearances for La Viola and an impressive World Cup campaign, which saw him finish level with Germany’s Toni Kroos for the highest number of assists, Cuadrado certainly seemed to have the quality to push for a starting spot in Chelsea’s midfield three. But, having lasted just over half a disappointing season at the Premier League giants, Juan Cuadrado looks to have sealed a loan move to last season’s Champions League finalists, Juventus.
Why did it not work out?
Although his arrival coincided with André Schürrle’s return to the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, Cuadrado wasn’t a direct replacement for the German. With Schürrle preferring a role on the wide left (a position that Eden Hazard has rightfully made his own) or as a more central striker (a role in which he saw limited game time), it seemed Juan Cuadrado would challenge for the wide right position, a spot where he had made his name, both domestically in Serie A with Udinese and later Fiorentina, and internationally, with South American powerhouses
Colombia.
With Willian occupying the right wing position, and having been largely unchallenged other than the rare occasions when Jose Mourinho opted for Willian’s Brazilian compatriot, Ramires, it was perhaps understandable that his performances were of varying quality. However, with the addition of the tricky Cuadrado, Willian seemed to vastly improve his performance level, so much so that it looks like he has now replaced Oscar centrally, after the addition of Pedro. With Willian having become a certain starter, and with Mourinho’s admiration of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado was in a scrap for minutes from day one.
It could be argued that the 27-year-old failed to avoid being hailed as a ‘flop’ in England due to his playing style. Cuadrado’s blistering pace and quick feet brought him great success in Serie A, but not the Premier League. Such traits were clearly more effective, and potentially harder to come by, in the Italian top flight.
Whereas, in England, ever increasing numbers of player with pace akin to Olympic sprinters seem to be making it in the big time. Eden Hazard, Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Alexis Sanchez, to name a few. This makes Cuadrado’s qualities less impressive and so the basis of his game will inevitably be less effective in England. The Colombian’s slender frame also hints that he was perhaps not up to the physicality of the Barclays Premier League.
Lady luck also appeared to have abandoned the speedster, for example, after perhaps his best showing in a blue shirt, Cuadrado lasted just 42 minutes in the final Premier League game last season, against Sunderland.
Final thoughts
Although his quality cannot be denied, it seems Juan Cuadrado is just not suited to the Barclays Premier League or, in fact, Chelsea. Perhaps his imminent move to Serie A champions Juventus will see his footballing fortunes improve. I’m sure I’m not alone amongst Chelsea fans wishing him well for the future, wherever his footballing career takes him.
