Barcelona ace jumping out of the frying pan if Chelsea-bound
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As a treble-Premier League winning coach it’s difficult to criticise Jose Mourinho’s recruitment policy at Chelsea too harshly, though the latest reports suggesting Barcelona forward Pedro is next on his hit list appear a little odd.
The Special One seems intent on adding to his stockpile of bench-warming wide-forwards at Stamford Bridge, so Pedro ought to be more than just a tad wary of seeking greener grass.
On the left-hand side of Mourinho’s three-pronged attack, the flank on which Pedro has traditionally preferred to operate from over in Spain stands Eden Hazard.
The 2014/15 PFA, FWA and Premier League Player of the Season is clearly an immovable object at Chelsea, while on the opposite wing Willian’s blend of pace, trickery and industry cast the Brazilian as another vital cog in the title-winning machine constructed by Mourinho last season.
As back up to the pair is January signing Juan Cuadrado, who was starved of minutes after his Fiorentina switch and a forgotten man of the Kings Road, Mohamed Salah.
The latest Evening Standard reports suggest Salah won’t now be joining Cuadrado’s former employers on a permanent deal after flourishing on loan with the Viola last season, so the Egyptian could still be in the mix for the Blues as well.
Add into the equation Oscar, Ramires and Loic Remy and Pedro’s hopes of tying down a spot in Chelsea’s team seem even more limited.
The Spanish star, who became a staple during the trophy-filled Pep Guardiola years, has seen his playing time reduced dramatically at the Camp Nou thanks to last summer’s acquisition of Luis Suarez.
Although Pedro still appeared many times during ’14/15, in the premier competitions the Tenerife native lost his place in the Luis Enrique’s side to the Uruguayan, having to settle for frequent cameos.
It’s difficult to see the 27-year-old faring much better at Chelsea unless Mourinho embarks on some serious pack shuffling before the summer is out.
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