The Senegal international swapped the black and white striped shirt of Newcastle for the blue of Chelsea in the January transfer window this year. He was brought in to provide competition to the ailing and misfiring Fernando Torres and to solve Chelsea’s striking problems.
The 27-year old started his career in London brightly, however his recent form has dipped a little which is understandable given the nasty injury he sustained. Ba managed to break into the starting 11 when he first arrived but lately he seems to have fallen out of favor with interim manager Rafa Benitez.
He is definitely behind Fernando Torres as first choice striker at the Bridge, despite the fact that Torres’ form is still pretty shaky at best. Ba is determined to win back the confidence and trust of Benitez, and is willing to do whatever it takes for that to happen.
There have been strong rumors suggesting that owner Roman Abramovic is keen on bringing Spanish club Atletico Madrid’s star striker Radamel Falcao to Chelsea this summer. The Colombian international has had another stellar season in front of goal, and is proving game after game that he is one of the best strikers in Europe and indeed the world. Abramovich, despite being aware of the fact that he might have to pay a hefty amount to secure Falcao’s services, is ready to break the bank for his wanted man.
If Falcao does arrive at the Bridge in the summer, that would certainly mean reduced game time for the likes of Ba. However, Ba does not feel that way. He instead feels that another striker would help him become better and more competitive. He has given his thumbs up for his club’s move for a new striker in the summer. Speaking to radio station RMC, Ba said, “I am at one of the biggest clubs in Europe and, each year, they’re going to bring in a forward.”
“But that is part of football and that is what makes me a better player if you go about things the right way.”
“I am always working hard and I know that I can achieve great things. If they buy a new striker, it’ll help me improve. But I won’t let anybody walk all over me.”
Will Ba face long spells on the sidelines if Chelsea get their man in the form of Falcao? It would seem so.