The Fiorentina man's imminent arrival at Stamford
Bridge will add another attacking weapon to Jose Mourinho's side. So, how will the Colombian fit in?
For a few years now, Juan Cuadrado has been one of Europe's most eye-catching players. His dynamic displays for Fiorentina, and Colombia at the 2014 World Cup, meant that it was only a matter of time until he joined one of the continent's biggest clubs.
Barcelona attempted to buy the 26-year-old last summer, but were unable to close the deal due to Financial Fair Play restrictions - and so it is Chelsea who now appear to have won the race for the winger's signature.
So where would Cuadrado fit in at Stamford Bridge?
His favoured position would be on the right wing of Jose Mourinho's 4-2-3-1 formation, where he would battle with Willian for a first-team spot. This is Cuadrado's strongest position and the role in which he excelled at the World Cup. His electric pace and ability to beat a man are matched by few right-wingers in the game.
Cuadrado is flexible enough, though, to play in any of the three attacking midfield positions. He occupied all of these roles at Fiorentina, and he regularly switches wings during matches. This will give Mourinho the option of playing Cuadrado and Willian in the same starting XI.
The ex-Udinese man also featured as a striker for Fiorentina on occasion, although usually in a 4-3-3 system where he had closer lateral support. Lining up as a lone frontman in a 4-2-3-1 will not suit the Colombian as he boasts neither the natural finishing nor the physical characteristics to play with his back to goal.
Cuadrado began his career in Europe as a wing-back and will offer Mourinho the further option of deploying him in defence. This perhaps would not be advisable at Chelsea, though, as Cuadrado lacks the defensive positioning and discipline that his new coach demands - with his intention always to push forward. He also is only comfortable playing as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 system, rather than a four-man defence.
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