demba ba

Demba Ba is expected to complete a £7.5 million move to Chelsea this week in a transfer that is sure to evoke mixed emotions from fellow Senegalese striker, Papiss Cisse.

Ba was the star striker for Newcastle in the 2011-12 season, notching 15 goals by January last year, before being moved out to the wing to vacate the central position for their big money January signing Cisse – a move which proved to be important, as Cisse went on to score an amazing 13 goals in 14 appearance,  including a mind boggling thirty-five-yard-outside-of-the-foot half volley from an impossible angle against Chelsea.

However, at the start of the current 2012-13 season, Cisse suffered a dip in form and saw team mate Ba regain his place as star striker. Ba has managed 13 Premier League goals so far in contrast to Cisse’s disappointing tally of just 3… one of which he was nothing more than a bystander for as a shot from Sammy Ameobi hit off his backside before tumbling in the net. As part of this decline, Cisse has found himself playing out on the wing – the position that, last year, he had forced Demba Ba into playing.

It has very much been a case of role reversal – originally in favour of Papiss Cisse, but now heavily against him.

The two players both originate from Senegal, speak the same language, play in the same position, and both have a similar style of play (Cisse’s middle name, believe it or not, is actually Demba). No doubt they are probably great friends – but secretly, Cisse is probably punching the air in relief after hearing of Ba’s probable transfer to Chelsea.

Although Demba Ba will be sorely missed, one’s loss can be another one’s gain and the move will see Cisse relocated to the centre. No doubt he will be hoping to emulate the form that he managed in the second half of last season.

What’s your view? Will Demba Ba be missed? Can Cisse regain top form? Have your say in the comments section below.

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