分类： 信息化
2014-11-18 15:48:50
from Newcastle United in a deal believed to be in the region of 7 million pounds. The Senegalese becomes Rafael Benitezs first signing at Stamford Bridge.
With the departure of Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool, it was almost imperative that Chelsea found themselves a centre forward in the transfer window, with Fernando Torres being the only other recognised striker in the side. But the signing of Ba triggers one and only one question in everyones mind: Has he been bought to partner Torres in the Chelsea attack, or to replace the Spaniard?
Torres, since signing from Liverpool from a British record transfer fee of 50 million pounds, has managed just 14 Premier League goals in 66 appearances, a shadow of record at Anfield where he scored 65 goals in 102 appearances, averaging more than a goal in two games. His continued poor form has led many to believe that Torres is well past his prime, and will never regain the form he displayed at Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.
Filling in Didier Drogbas boots was never going to be easy, and though Torres has managed 12 goals this season in all competitions, his ability to step to the big occasion is well in question. Bas signing has prompted fans and critics to believe that Torres will now have to be satisfied with a place on the Chelsea bench.
Ba, on the other hand, has been prolific to say the least since his move from West Ham United to Tyneside last summer. He finished last season as Newcastles top-scorer with 16 Premier League goals, even though his extraordinary form in the first half of the season fell away in the latter period of the campaign. This season, he was forced to play out of position by manager Alan Pardew to accommodate Papiss Cisse in the team. Despite voicing his frustrations regarding the same, Ba once again has been clinical in front of goal, netting 13 times in the league in 20 appearances.
Chelseas current system only facilitates Benitez to play one striker, with three attacking midfielders playing just behind. If Ba and Torres both have to make the team, it means that one of them will have to play out of position, which seems highly unlikely, seeing that Benitez already has the likes of Mata, Hazard, Oscar, Marin and Moses at his disposal for the three attacking midfield roles.
Ba is set to make his debut in a Chelsea shirt in Saturdays FA Cup game at Southampton, and will be looking off to get to a flyer to life at Stamford Bridge, thereby relegating the lacklustre Torres to the seat behind that of the manager.
