Pochettino backs Cuadrado to shine

Chelsea will be signing a “top player” in Juan Cuadrado, according to Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The 26-year-old Cuadrado is likely to complete his move from Fiorentina to Stamford Bridge over the weekend

The Colombia international could play a major role in the Capital One Cup final when Chelsea meet Tottenham at Wembley, with Pochettino an admirer of his talent.

“He is a top player,” the Argentinian replied when asked how highly he rated Cuadrado.

“He is a decisive player. He is very strong. I’ve watched him a lot playing for Colombia, his national team. (Jose) Pekerman and Nestor Lorenzo, the manager and assistant manager for Colombia, are my friends. I speak always about Cuadrado. He is a top player.”

Spurs were destined to come up against Cuadrado when they play Fiorentina in a two-legged Europa League tie later next month, but now they could face him in the Capital One Cup final instead.

And Pochettino is backing the former Udinese man to make a mark for the Blues.

“In both cases we would have played against him,” he added.

“You never know but he has all the attributes to be successful here. He is a very good player. He’s a wing-back. He can play like a winger and like a full-back. He is strong, he is powerful and he is very technical.”