Juan Cuadrado is reportedly determined to be part of Chelsea’s first-team in the upcoming campaign, as Antonio Conte tips the Colombian to be a key part of his Chelsea plans next season.
The Italian insisted that he wants to keep the player at Stamford Bridge, saying he fits his “idea of football.”
Conte was keen to sign Cuadrado while he was the manager of Juventus, and is now pleased to have the player in his squad.
Cuadrado was a 67th minute substitute on Thursday’s International Champions Cup 1-0 win over Liverpool, and Conte says he’s pleased to have so many options on the wings.
With Juan Cuadrado, in my idea of football I love the role of the winger when doing a one-vs.-one. Cuadrado is one of these.
I am pleased to train him and when today you can have a substitution of Cuadrado and Pedro to replace Willian and Moses, it is good for Chelsea. Cuadrado is a Chelsea player and I hope he remains one.
-Antonio Conte, Source; ESPN
The 28-year-old winger himself has also claimed to do his everything to make it in Chelsea’s starting eleven, after being interviewed following the first friendly in the US this summer.
We all work on that purpose [to be a part of the first XI]. I have to train well and strong and let’s see what God wants.
I am glad of being here (for the ICC tournament). It’s important for us to do well and make a good pre-season. We have been working well and looking for what the coach wants. This is a good opportunity to show what we have already worked on in previous training sessions and games.
-Juan Cuadrado, Source; Evening Standard
As Conte certainly seems to be a big fan of the player, Cuadrado has a good chance to make it in Chelsea. Hopefully he will prove a point and provide the same kind of form as he did on loan at Juventus last season.
