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Chelsea transfer news: Joe Cole backs January deal - 'It’s a very logical signing'
CHELSEA hero Joe Cole has given his opinion on new striker Gonzalo Higuain.
Gonzalo Higuain is a necessary addition to Chelsea says Zola
Chelsea sealed a deal for Higuain on a short-term loan from Juventus and the 31-year-old has gone on to start in their last two fixtures.
A win over Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup was followed by a shock 4-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday.
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Despite that result, and Higuain’s failure to score in both fixtures, Cole has backed the Argentine to be a success at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s a very logical signing,” Cole told the Telegraph.
“Chelsea were playing with a false nine and they needed a number nine and he is just that – he’s a goalscorer.”
Maurizio Sarri started the season with both Alvaro Morata and Oliver Giroud as his options up front, but both have fallen out of favour and Morata has now sealed a loan move to Atletico Madrid.
Eden Hazard had been forced to play in a central role - but both the player and Sarri agreed that it was not his best position.
“It’s what they need and it’s what Higuain needs, so it suits everybody involved,” Cole added.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri ‘frustrated’ after Bournemouth loss
He has played for some big clubs, so it shouldn’t be a problem
"One thing is for sure, you have to be the finished article to wear the Chelsea number nine shirt because it’s heavy. And he has played for some big clubs, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
“It will just be how quickly he settles in, but the great thing is Sarri knows him, knows what he’s about as a person and he knows the system. So it ticks boxes.”
Chelsea’s embarrassing defeat to Bournemouth has left Sarri feeling down about their season so far, despite reaching the Carabao Cup final with a win over Tottenham.
Sarri said:“Maybe it’s my fault, maybe I’m not able to motivate them. But the team is very strong, it is also able to win without the coach.”
“I didn’t see the signal of my work. So I am frustrated. I wanted to understand, so I spoke with the players immediately but it’s very difficult for them to say why.
“So I have to try again tomorrow, because I need to solve this problem.”