Supporters and pundits were questioning the signing of ex-Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado in the winter transfer window, as the Blues had the impressive Willian and Eden Hazard operating more than successful in the wide areas, but it appears clear the Colombian’s arrival was to make a tactical alteration to Eden Hazard’s role for the following campaign.
With Chelsea having sealed the Premier League title, manager Jose Mourinho will already be making big plans for next season. One of which is likely to revolve around PFA Player of the Season Eden Hazard, who enjoyed a standout campaign on the left-wing for the Blues, operating in a more central position.
The Belgian international, 24, could be moved into the middle behind the lone striker for Chelsea to become the focal creative point in the team to provide even more goals and assists to help the London side retain the Premier League title in 2015/16.
This season, Hazard scored 14 goals and made eight assists in 36 appearances. He’s been the best player in the division by some distance, and his manager wants to maximise his talents by shifting some of the defensive work required from playing out wide.
Many thought Cuadrado was brought in to provide competition for Willian and cover for Hazard, but it’s clear Mourinho is wants the Colombian to operate on the opposite flank to Willian, proving pace, power and industry. The Chelsea boss requires hard work from his wide men, which isn’t Hazard’s strongest attribute, so letting the Belgian work his magic in a central role should get the utmost best from him.
“I think he’s been excellent. He’s had consistency of the highest order and Mourinho has got a good work rate out of him. He doesn’t like doing the tracking back but he has been doing it, and I still don’t think he’s in his best position. I think his best position will be just behind the striker and maybe if Chelsea play a 4-2-3-1 then he can be that one in behind,” said Sky Sports pundit Tony Gale.
Oscar has struggled operating in the CAM role for Chelsea this season, which should give Hazard a chance to shine. He’s proven he can do his defensive duties so Mourinho could well have a midfield five of Nemanja Matic & Cesc Fabregas in the deep-lying roles, with Juan Cuadrado, Eden Hazard and Willian as the attacking-midfield trio, with striker Diego Costa leading the line.
