Five reasons why Radamel Falcao will flourish or flop at Chelsea

Although Falcao often kept Costa out of the Atleti starting XI, it’s highly unlikely he will do so now, however. Comparing their returns from last term, it’s no contest.

Costa struck 20 times in 26 Premier League appearances, but Falcao managed just four goals in as many outings. The former’s troublesome hamstring notwithstanding, Mourinho will always pick a proven performer leaving the latter’s game time limited.

If Falcao is to truly return to full fitness, then not only does he need a full pre-season under his belt, but regular football with the Blues. Quarter hour cameos, like Loic Remy often got when Costa was rampant, will only make it more difficult for the Colombian to shake off that flop tag.

The pressure is off
His spell at Old Trafford will have reduced fans’ expectations of Falcao to the point where the burden falls on others. Chelsea’s star man is Eden Hazard, as the Belgian sensation has been player of the season in both of the last two terms.

Falcao can really benefit from being under the Blues’ radar, slowly rebuilding his confidence and sharpening those once lethal instincts back to his best. Setting targets is always a divisive thing, but if he can double his tally from last term then that would be a step in the right direction.

Chelsea’s checkered record with strikers
Centre forwards have been a mixed bag at the Bridge during the Roman Abramovich era. Didier Drogba and Costa to date have been resounding successes, but what of Adrian Mutu, Mateja Kezman, Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres?

There are influential opinions in football already formulated that say Falcao, likely benched behind Costa, will simply become the latest in a long line of Blues flops.

“If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it,” said Chelsea’s coach prior to landing him on loan. “It hurts me that people in England think that the real Falcao is the one we saw at Manchester United.”

Seeing such a desire from ‘the Special One’ to assist this previously predatory poacher is admirable. Mourinho will make sure fans and punters see ‘the real Falcao’ if we can, and there is plenty in Chelsea ranks to ensure he gets service.

Cesc Fabregas is a proven Premier League chance creator, and the Atletico contingent outlined above, plus compatriot Cuadrado and Hazard, can all combine to put chances on a plate for him. With so much to offer from the supporting cast, the Blues are intriguing 8/1 Champions League chances.