Premier league giants, Chelsea, have confirmed that they have signed Alexandre Pato on a six-month-loan deal from the Brazilian side, Corinthians, but where will he play for the Blues?
Pato was surely considered as one of the best Brazilian talents when he was young, but frequent injuries set his career back.
The former AC Milan striker has signed a loan deal to get back to Europe from Corinthians, and now, it will be interesting to see how Hiddink capitalizes on him and restores his blistering future. The coming six months will prove what his potential is.
Fans might have already assumed that Pato is merely coming as a backup to Diego Costa, but, is it really so?
A couple of good performances might promote him to the starting lineup, snatching away Costa’s place.
Besides, rumors are flying that Remy will be joining Leicester City or Galatasary after his dull play under Hiddink. So, left-wing can be the second preferred position.
Here are the three ways the Blues can line-up with Pato:
LEFT-WING?
When Pato played for Brazil, he fulfilled the place of a left-wing and that is why, this position might suit him the best.
When he plays as a left-winger, he gets more time and space to run into the key areas and fire shots in abundance, as well as set up chances for the strikers.
Eden Hazard, currently running out of form can lose his place to Pato. His quick feet can make his life easy at Stamford Bridge.
AS CHELSEA’S NUMBER 10?
If Hiddink wants to create some space, just behind Costa, this man is definitely the perfect addition. Costa can push defenders back, more back, that will surely create some space for this Brazilian to fire a shot on goal.
Totally different from Fabregas, this Brazilian will focus more on shots, rather than key passes. This Spaniard might be the reason why the Blues struggled this season. Bringing Pato into this role might solve Chelsea’s goal-scoring problems.
REPLACING COSTA?
It is quit predictable that this Brazilian will not stand a chance in front of Costa’s physicality; however, he can create menace for the defenders in a different way.
One way he will prove better than Costa, is that he will run in to find the midfielders, something that Costa lacked.
The main problem that will persist is that how will Pato fit into premier league’s physical nature. The expectations will be high, and henceforth, Pato will have to keep a sharp eye for the goal.
Pato has revealed his delight to join the Blues, as per the club’s official website:
“I am so happy to sign for Chelsea. It is a dream for me. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new team-mates and cannot wait to play.
‘I thank Chelsea for their support and hope I can repay this faith to the club and its fans.
It will be interesting to look how he fills the Drogba, Falcao and Remy-shaped hole.
Image credit: getty, Squawka