5 Players That CFC Should Sell This Summer (Part Five) – Paulo Ferreira

Paulo Ferreira:

Age: 32   Appearances (Goals): 198 (2)   Signed from: FC Porto (£13.2million, 2004)

Possible Destinations: Benfica,

Transfer value: £5-8million

After signing from Mourinho’s former team, FC Porto, in 2004, Ferreira quickly established himself as our number one right-back. However, following four managerial changes, Ferreira has falling down the pecking order and sometimes deemed as a squad player and is of the last remaining signings from the Jose Mourinho era.

But Ferreira is one of Chelsea’s loyalist players and is seen as a good squad player, despite the lack of games played in the last couple of seasons.

It is quite hard to say something bad about Paulo Ferreira. Although he has seen several other players take his position at right-back, Ferreira has remained loyal and reliable to the team. Whenever he is called upon, he will us 110% and will always step up to the plate.

Many Chelsea fans have acknowledged Ferreira’s loyalty and ability and it is those features which make him an admirable player whom we find hard to despise. Jose Mourinho once described him as “a player who will never be man of the match but will always score 7/10 for his individual display”.

However, come next January, Ferreira will turn 33 and age has probably caught him up. He isn’t a pacy full-back that we need. He can bomb down the flanks, but his balls into the box aren’t great and he is usually beaten by fast wingers such as Gareth Bale.

Fast wingers, do cause Ferreira quite a bit of problems and we need a full-back who isn’t afraid of taking on the pace along with support our attacks. Because of these issues, Ferreira is resigned to spend his time on our bench waiting for opportunities as we have other full-backs such as Jose Bosingwa and Branislav Ivanovic ahead of him.

With two years let on his current contract, this may be the ideal opportunity to cash in on Ferreira. Should Ferreira go, we will not only be losing a player but a great, loyal player whose praises are rarely sung.

We will also be letting go off a reliable full-back who we can count on if an injury to any of our current players occurred. However, whether Ferreira stays or leaves the Bridge this summer, I will be behind his choice and I wish him all the best for the future.