Chelsea manager Antonio Conte confirmed that Juan Cuadrado would remain at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
After Chelsea’s disappointing loss in a friendly game against Austria Vienna, Blues boss Antonio Conte confirmed that Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado would be a part of his side’s squad for the upcoming seasons. Cuadrado endured a tumultuous few months under Conte’s predecessor Jose Mourinho, but by the looks of things, he is destined to play a key role in the Italian’s philosophy in the 2016/17 campaign.
If Conte can get the best out of Cuadrado then fair play to him. Would feel like a new signing if he does.
— ️ (@HazardEdition) July 16, 2016
The Colombian spent the whole of last season at Juventus, where he excelled considerably. He added a unique skill-set of speed and dribbling to the Old Lady, making it a huge surprise why the Italian outfit are not interested in signing him. According to Squawka, in 28 league appearances, the wide man completed 71 take-ons and created a total of 44 chances. He did all of this with an immaculate pass accuracy rate of 86 per cent. Cuadrado also put in a defensive shift for Juve, breaking play 23 times over the course of the season.
According to Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia), Inter Milan were reportedly interested in signing the winger, and he had previously been linked with a return to the Bianconeri. However, the Milan outfit opted to look for options elsewhere, clearing the path for Conte and Chelsea.
At Stamford Bridge, Cuadrado would have to compete with the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro for a spot in the starting lineup. Knowing Conte’s tendency to field a 3-5-2 system, the Colombian could even be deployed as a wing-back – a position that could very well suit him. Also as compared to Chelsea’s current crop of wingers, Cuadrado’s defensive ability and speed clearly rank a grade higher.
