Watford Opinion: Why the Hornets should go all out for Juan Cuadrado?
Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado has been linked with a move back to the Premier League, with Watford and West Ham keen on the 30-year-old, reports Tuttosport.
The Colombian international isn’t too interested in a move back to England, having endured such a torrid time with Chelsea. He joined Chelsea from Fiorentina in February 2015, but struggled to make an impact under then manager Jose Mourinho before heading off on loan to Juventus just few months later.
The report claims Sevilla and Valencia are also interested in Juan Cuadrado, who has a contract at Juventus until the summer of 2020. The Turin club are reluctant to lose him for free next summer so could cash him in at the end of the summer.
That being said, Watford must beat the host of clubs for the 30-year-old’s signature in the summer.
Watford have been one of the exciting outfits outside the ‘Big Six’ this season in the Premier League. They sit tenth in the table and are likely to miss out a spot in the Europa League qualifiers, though. The 2-1 defeat at Wolves at the weekend provided the Hornets with a hammer blow to their European hopes but manager Javi Gracia should be delighted with how his team have performed this season.
Failing to get European football could subsequently see Gracia ask for reinforcements this summer. He should try strengthening his attack, as Roberto Pereyra could attract interest in the summer having already been linked with Chelsea in January.
Pereyra has been an integral part of Watford’s strong campaign and his departure in the summer would leave a huge hole in Gracia’s system. Gracia needs to be ready to face such circumstances and thus, he should move in for Cuadrado, who is valued around £17million by Juventus.
Cuadrado put his struggles in Chelsea colours behind by joining Juventus a few years ago. However, he has dropped down the pecking order this season and has played 19 times in all competitions, largely due to knee surgery.
Set to turn 31 next month, the Colombian, nevertheless, still has a lot to offer at the highest level and give Watford a push for European qualification next season. Predominantly a winger, Cuadrado can also play as a right midfielder or as a right and left wing-back. He boasts of blistering pace and agility which he uses to terrorise his marker, whilst also possessing the spatial awareness.
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Cuadrado is someone who can create his own space and break the opposition’s lines in the midfield by pulling off defence-splitting through balls. The 30-year-old is blessed with high levels of stamina and is a player that never gives less than 100% on the pitch.
Verdict
A tenacious, hard-working and experienced player, Cuadrado certainly has all that it takes to propel Watford to the next level.
