Realistic Expectations for Chelsea's January Signing Juan Cuadrado
The debate rages on over the transfer of Juan Cuadrado—was he a midseason risk by Jose Mourinho or a stroke of genius?
His first two appearances in Chelsea colours haven't told us much, and we probably won't find out until next season whether or not the Colombian is the player Chelsea needed to improve the quality of their squad.
In the meantime, what can we realistically expect from Cuadrado in the remaining weeks and months of 2014/15?
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Bleacher Report takes a closer look.
Be a competitive rival for Willian
With Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah both departing Chelsea in January, it means the options on the right side of Chelsea's midfield have reduced significantly.
From being a battle between three players, it's now a two-horse race, with Willian and Cuadrado fighting for supremacy.
In terms of Mourinho's decision-making, it makes it easier. It's either-or for him when it comes picking his team, but Willian will be feeling the pressure now.
Mourinho likes to challenge his players, and Cuadrado's arrival is certainly a test Willian must ensure he's ready for, as the Brazilian's place is most at risk.
Willian's form this term has been such that Mourinho was confident enough in his ability to allow Schurrle and Salah to leave.
The club made a healthy profit on Schurrle's sale, while Salah was beginning to hang around like a bad smell, far from living up to the £11 million fee Chelsea paid for him.
Cuadrado's task now is to avoid going the same way, especially as Chelsea have invested heavily in him.
It's too much to expect him to dislodge Willian immediately, but what Cuadrado must show is intent and the capability that further down the line he can be a first-choice on the right.
Doing it in Serie A is one thing; week in, week out in the Premier League, quite another.
Mourinho has said so himself, acknowledging that Cuadrado may not be at his best until next season, when he has had time to adjust to his new surroundings.
If he can't earn his manager's trust before then, it could be detrimental to Chelsea in the short-term, though.
As the campaign reaches the business end, Mourinho needs to feel confident he can call upon every player.
Cuadrado needs to show the manager he is capable of challenging Willian.
Perform in the Champions League
Cuadrado's biggest asset right now is his experience of playing on the continent.
We may not see the best of him as he tries to cope with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League, but in European competition he will be more suited.
The pace of the game is slower for one, while it is less physical.
Cuadrado has been playing in the Europa League for Fiorentina this season, meaning he isn't cup tied and will be available for Chelsea in the Champions League as they look to go one better than last year's semi-final.
We saw in the World Cup that Cuadrado can get at defenders, using his pace to good effect to breach the back line and assist his team-mates.
That's what he needs to be producing in the Champions League, becoming a reliable member of the squad so that Mourinho can rotate and feel confident with any of the combinations he chooses.
Strong performances in the Premier League will be a plus, but being the Cuadrado we have seen for Fiorentina really is a must.
That's what he was bought for.
Help Chelsea to develop their talented youth prospects
If we're looking at like-for-like replacements in the Chelsea squad, Cuadrado's arrival means there is a place up for grabs.
Schurrle and Salah were moved on by Mourinho in January, with only Cuadrado replacing them, so Chelsea are theoretically a man down.
Could it be that Mourinho is looking to graduate a youngster to fill that hole?
If so, it will be easier done if Cuadrado performs well between now and the summer. That will give Mourinho confidence that he doesn't need another experienced player to call upon, as Willian and Cuadrado will be the first choices ahead of a less experienced player.
That's how youth needs to be bought through. With so many big names ahead of them, it can be daunting for youngsters, especially when they consider if and when they may get a game.
With reduced numbers, the likes of Izzy Brown, Lewis Baker and others should get more opportunities.
It may well be 10 minutes here, a cup game there, yet it adds to their development.
Chelsea are overloaded with young talent right now, but these players aren't getting a chance.
If Cuadrado shines, Mourinho will be less inclined to dip his foot back into the transfer market and feel much more confident to promote from within.
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
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