Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has lavished praise on Chelsea’s imminent signing Juan Cuadrado, and believes the Colombian will be a Premier League hit.
The Fiorentina winger is poised to complete a a €33 million move to Stamford Bridge, and the Frenchman believes the 26-year-old has all the qualities to succeed in England.
“Everybody saw the World Cup, the way he performed – he’s a special player,” he told Sky Sports.
“He can beat anyone at any time and he’s a proper winger also – that’s something you don’t see often now, guys that want to go down the line and beat people and cross.
“That’s what you want if you’re a striker, so I think he will be – if he comes to Chelsea – a special player.
“He won’t surprise people because everybody saw him at the World Cup, but he’s a special talent.”
Cuadrado, who represented Colombia at the World Cup, scored one goal and assisted 4 as the South Americans reached the quarter-finals.
The former Udinese man’s departure will see Chelsea’s Mohamed Salah move to the opposite direction, and Viola boss Vincenzo Montella, despite being unhappy to part with Cuadrado, was excited about the Egyptian’s arrival.
“Obviously as a coach I’m sorry for Cuadrado’s transfer but Fiorentina have done the right thing. If Juan has cost so much it is because he’s worth it, meanwhile Salah comes to us.”
“We’ll see how long it will take for Salah to be integrated. Technically he’s similar to Cuadrado but he cannot do the defensive side, though he is still a great player,” the Fiorentina manager said.
Meanwhile, English giants Chelsea are expected to complete signing of ACF Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado before January transfer window in Premier League closes on midnight (BST) of February 2. Cuadrado had a decent season in Seriea A so far playing 17 games, scoring 4 goals and as many assist along with 53 shots.
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