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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he could adopt a two-pronged attack this season, with Radamel Falcao offering more options after joining on a season-long loan from Monaco.

The Colombian struggled to impress during a similar spell at Manchester United last season, but Mourinho has great faith in a player who will wear the No 9 shirt for Chelsea.

Diego Costa shouldered most of the striking burden last season as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 system, but laboured after an explosive start.

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Jose Mourinho believes Radamel Falcao can play as a dual striker for Chelsea

Falcao is pictured in action for the Blues against Barcelona on Tuesday in the International Champions Cup

The Colombia striker (second left) gets stuck in during a training session on Friday at Cobham

Loic Remy offers pace and width but Mourinho believes Falcao could play in tandem with either. The 29-year-old only joined up with his new team mates in New York, where the Blues drew 2-2 with Barcelona in a friendly.

But Mourinho has already seen enough to believe he can make a big impact at Stamford Bridge.

'In the last 20 minutes against Barcelona (in last week's friendly we played with Loic Remy and Falcao,' Mourinho said. 

'They did very well not just to bring the team forward but also with one less player in midfield they closed the spaces in front of the midfield line. 

The 29-year-old (second right) celebrates with team-mate Cesc Fabregas after scoring a goal in training

Falcao scored just four goals in 29 appearances while on loan at Manchester United last term

'We can play with two. Falcao came on and suddenly the team was direct and objective. They closed the lines and played in the opposition half. Falcao held the ball up very well.

'I'm very happy with his first week. I like him a lot as a player. The team play very well with a striker of his quality.

'He's not just a guy that can score a goal; he can also contribute a lot to the quality of the game.'

Falcao is expected to play a role in Sunday's Community Shield final against Arsenal with Costa a slight injury doubt.