Juan Cuadrado: Analysing his Chelsea nightmare

Adaptation

Cuadrado’s taste of the Premier League saw him make 12 appearances which equated to just 331 minutes. To further put this into context, Cuadrado managed just 8 shots in total whilst making a mere 166 successful passes. Perhaps most notable was Cuadrado’s struggle to beat his man – he completed just 5 successful takes ons. The Colombian also failed to score any goals, whilst making just a single assist – earning his side a penalty in Chelsea’s final league match against Sunderland before being substituted before half time.

Despite limited opportunities, Cuadrado’s failure to impress in his little playing time meant it was almost impossible for Mourinho to pick Cuadrado ahead of the likes of Willian and Loic Remy who finished the season strongly.

Cuadrado had an almost non-existent impact in his appearances and often looked too weak and lightweight when trying to beat defenders. The Colombian international’s best moment in a Chelsea shirt came on the final day of the season where he showed brief moments of his quality in the 3-1 win against Sunderland. Trickery and flair on the ball caused Sunderland problems and Juan earned his side a penalty when John O’shea barged him over in the penalty box.

Despite this highlight, Mourinho made his feelings known when he subbed Cuadrado before half time in favour of Loic Remy. Failure to impress Mourinho initially meant it was near-impossible for Cuadrado to ever get back in his good books from then on in. He was effectively disposable before his first pre-season at Chelsea had even started.

Competition

Not only had Cuadrado struggled on the pitch himself, but he had some serious competitors around him. Willian turned in his most impressive spell at Stamford Bridge since Cuadrado’s arrival whist Mourinho’s fondness of Oscar meant it was going to be hard to oust the Brazilian for a place in the squad.

Pre-season saw the return of Victor Moses, perhaps Chelsea’s most impressive performer on their tour of the United States and his status as a homegrown player meant any doubt over the pair would see Moses chosen in his place.

The impressive signing of Barcelona’s Pedro in August marked the end for Cuadrado in a doomed Chelsea career. The Spaniard’s departure from his beloved club due to lack of playing time meant he would be getting the place on the right wing and Cuadrado found himself even further down the pecking order.

Rumours of Chelsea’s interest in Paul Pogba may see Cuadrado sent to Turin as a ‘sweetener’ in the proposed deal and his return to Serie A football will be a welcomed relief for all parties.

Cuadrado’s Chelsea career never existed. The tense situation at Chelsea upon his arrival and lack of adapting to the Premier League meant Cuadrado would never gain a place in a very competitive squad for the 2015/16 season. His performances in the Serie A blurred his potential ability to adapt to the Premier League and it’s as if the deal never happened – except Chelsea find themselves £27m poorer.

Few doubted Cuadrado’s natural ability, but it was clear Chelsea and the Premier League was not the right place for him. Here’s to hoping Cuadrado can rediscover his Serie A form and make a smooth and swift recovery at Juventus – Paul Pogba in exchange would only ease the situation in Chelsea’s corner and we can all pretend the ‘Cuadrado Nightmare’ never happened.

“It’s normal, step by step, to be integrated. He needs time. I know Italy and I know the difference between Italy and England. His formation, his development, his experience – everything was in Italy…Stability, time, integration – I think we will see the best Cuadrado next year.”

– Jose Mourinho, February 2015.

 

Originally posted on sandsblogz.com