Will Pato shine at Stamford Bridge? / Image via thesportbible.com
One striker left Stamford Bridge in January, another one arrived.
Patrick Bamford was the one to leave. The 22-year-old Chelsea striker has moved to Norwich on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season on the back of an unsuccessful first half of the season with Crystal Palace.
The youngster made just nine appearances at Palace and did not start a single Premier League game for the club.
Fashionable choice
His transfer went under the radar as Chelsea showed no desire to take their starlet back and offer him the chance to shine in the squad. It is not just the question of quality, Patrick Bamford is just not fashionable enough player for Chelsea.
Charlie Austin knows it too well, as Manchester United were criticised for their lack of initiative towards last year’s Premier League top scorer, who ended up being a bargain buy for Koeman’s Southampton.
Bamford impressed during his loan spell at Middlesborough last season, having won the Championship Player of the Year award and the youngster will be given his chance to prove his worth at Norwich and to prove Chelsea were wrong not to consider him this winter.
As the Blues are currently struggling with their life in the Premier League, fresh blood upfront was needed, fresh blood that would bring in a new cutting edge and offer some alternative to Diego Costa, who has been carrying most of the burden himself.
With Radamel Falcao out of favour and Loic Remy out of form, the Chelsea hierarchy opted to go for Alexandre Pato, the experienced Brazilian striker who made his comeback to Europe, following his five years in AC Milan.
“I’m so happy. I stay here for my dream. Chelsea is my new home. Thanks to Chelsea for support,” Pato told SkySports.
Corinthians forward has spent a year at Sao Paulo before moving to London and he can be a valuable addition to Guus Hiddink’s side.
Ronaldo’s successor
Once hailed a teenage sensation, Alexandre Pato has a vast playing experience behind him despite being only 26.
His injury-laden career has been hit hard both physically and mentally and the Brazilian star welcomed the opportunity to shine in England.
Former AC Milan player burst onto the scene in Brazil as a 17-year-old with Internacional before Rossoneri decided to spend £15 million to land the boy, who was seen as the heir to Ronaldo’s throne.
During his five years with AC Milan, Pato went on to make 117 Serie A appearances and score 51 goals until 2012. However, he was never truly able to recover from his injury problems. Three serious hamstring injuries in less than a year’s time were followed by calf and ties problems which seriously influenced the quality of his performances.
Renowned for his impressive pace, Pato lost the one thing that made him stood out from the crowd.
Return to Brazil did him good
Pato played 56 matches in all competitions for Sao Paulo in 2015 and his overall performances have been characterised by much greater confidence, freedom of movement and general maturity than what he showcased during his finals years in Italy.
Pato joined Chelsea on a six-month loan, but the London-based club have the option to keep him for another six and then sign him for free when his contract expires this time next year.
More cautious fans are wondering if Pato will just become the new Radamel Falcao?
The two players’ careers share certain similarities, but unlike the Colombian striker, Pato has been able to regain his self-confidence and self-belief that could make him a valuable addition to the squad.
The Brazilian striker as shown great desire and is bursting with confidence in his first days with Chelsea.
The Blues travel to Watford on Wednesday night and Pato could be awarded his Premier League debut against the Hornets.
Chelsea are given the odds of 1/1 to claim the maximum three points at Watford and there is no doubt that Pato will give his best to help his new team achieve the goal if called upon at Vicarage Road.
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