Rafa Benitez gives his verdict on Demba Ba’s best position

By Harry Kemble Saturday, January 5, 2013
9:20 AM

Demba Ba’s best position is in the number nine position despite the Senegal striker being used as winger at Newcastle, according to Rafa Benitez.

Chelsea signed the 27-year-old as support for Fernando Torres and many have started to speculate where the Senegal striker will play in the team.

The Blues’ interim boss believes the forward can play anywhere but feels his best position is where the Spaniard has started the majority of his games for the Stamford Bridge-based outfit.

“Yes, I see his best position as number nine,” said the former Inter manager. “Obviously I can see him playing in other positions too.

“Ba can play as a second striker and it is just another option for me. We do have good wingers so for me he has to play as a striker.”

Ba was deployed on the wing to supply Papiss Cisse during his time at St James’ Park but was more successful when played through the middle.

The former West Ham and 1989 Hoffenheim striker was prolific in the north-east scoring 29 league goals in 54 games.

Yet, some have queried whether the enigmatic Torres will take kindly to the arrival of Ba after floundering in the shadow of Didier Drogba at Chelsea last season.

However, Benitez believes this will not be a problem even choosing to compare Ba with the Ivory Coast striker

“Fernando Torres is happy with good players around him,” added Benitez. “It depends on the situation whether Torres is unhappy like last season.”

“I think Drogba was stronger while Ba has good movements.”