Chelsea has completed the deal for former Manchester United target Juan Cuadrado and Jose Mourinho is reportedly unlikely to have any worries about the Colombian's defense, as the club's new winger began his career as a right-back.
Mourinho can reportedly look forward to seeing Cuadrado dart past opponents, thanks to the speed and trickery, which earned him the nickname 'Vespa' at Fiorentina, after the famous Italian scooter.
Cuadrado, who grew up idolizing Brazil legend Ronaldo, started his career with Independiente Medellin, five time winners of Colombia's top flight, as a skinny teenager and there he was converted from a wannabe striker into a full-back, The Daily Star reported.
Colombian football expert Alejandro Pino claimed that if Mourinho wants Cuadrado, who joined Chelsea for 26 million pound, for the attack, he is ready. He added that Cuadrado played in that flying winger position at Fiorentina and also for Colombia.
But, Pino insisted that the Colombian is also a great, aggressive attacking right-back, although he believes that Cuadrado would need at least a couple of weeks to know the defensive system.
Pino claimed that when Cuadrado played at right-back for Medellin, his scrawny frame and long stride made him a fans' favourite, but added that he was recognised not just for his darting runs. He said that the Colombian's passing skills were at times like that of a veteran number 10.
It was not long before Cuadrado was whisked off to Italy to sign for Udinese, who quickly sent him out on loan to Lecce for some first-team action. After impressing he was snapped up by Fiorentina.
Pino revealed that Cuadrado had arrived in Italy as a right-back but in Florence he was ratified as an out-and-out winger, adding that the Colombian blossomed and his attacking form was decisive in leading Fiorentina to successive fourth-place finishes in Serie A.
Pino claimed that Cuadrado has been playing in Serie A since 2009 and faced some of the hardest Italian defenders, insisting that the Colombian is ready for the Premier League.
