Jose Mourinho is often associated with signing players that aren’t required or needed by the team. An extra winger or midfielder, but contrive to deprive them of game time. This is why I’m always sceptical when Mourinho decides to purchase a random player because of an unknown reason. If it was a striker, I would understand as a striker is much needed at Chelsea. An extra midfielder? Not so much.
However, the Blues are apparently very close to landing 33-year-old, Tiago. The Atletico Madrid midfielder is out of contract and doesn’t look like renewing with the new La Liga champions. This has sparked something inside Mourinho to go after an integral member of Madrid’s season success’. The Daily Mail have suggested that the pair have a history which means that Mourinho knows the player, mentally. Perhaps one of the reasons behind the purchase.
But, the big reason the Mail have provided is that Tiago could help Diego Costa fit in at Chelsea a bit more. It goes without saying that a settled striker is a more likely to produce the goods on the pitch. When you look at it from this angle, the signing of Tiago actually makes a lot of sense.
In addition to this, Tiago is still a very good player as he proved in the role he played in Atletico’s La Liga success. He’ll not only provide a wealth of experience, but he’ll also motivate the players around him. A captain-like figure. As Frank Lampard’s future is still up in the air, the Blues need that experienced member in the middle of the park. Tiago provides that.