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How Cucurella Is Using Lessons From 'frustrating' First Chelsea Season

як Melvina Elliott (2024-02-08)

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Marc Cucurella joined Chelsea last summer after making a PS62 million transfer from Brighton as one of Todd Boehly's early big spenders, but struggled to live up to expectations during his debut year at Stamford Bridge.

He may have fallen out of Mauricio Pochettino's plans under Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell, yet the Italian remains determined to pursue his goal of playing at an elite level.

He’s learning from his mistakes

Chelsea made headlines last summer for their high-priced signings of Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella, which caused considerable consternation among fans and pundits alike. Cucurella initially struggled at Stamford Bridge; however, he has since recovered his ground quickly and appears to have taken to life at Stamford Bridge very well.

Cucurella's success can be attributed to his ability to remain level-headed despite an initially challenging start to the season and appears determined to turn things around for himself.

After being thrust into the deep end, Cucurella has quickly established himself as a regular starter and earned the trust of his team-mates. Furthermore, his adaptability has enabled him to fill in at left centre-back when needed - an essential trait in modern players that could prove pivotal over the remainder of this campaign.

He’s putting his body on the line

Cucurella has not been an integral member of Chelsea this season since his PS62 million move from Brighton last summer, yet has only regularly appeared as a substitute. As such, his place at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain for now.

Cucurella excels at producing high quality crosses that target runners in central areas and is adept at handling the overlap. His vision makes him an invaluable asset and allows him to see spaces not evident to other players.

Cucurella faces stiff competition for his place this season at Stamford Bridge from Ian Maatsen and Ben Chilwell; however, he says he looks forward to this challenge and sees competition as beneficial to his development. Additionally, his sense of humor will help him cope with such an important club as Chelsea.

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He’s learning from his team-mates

Cucurella may often find himself serving as the sixth player for Chelsea defensive unit, yet this doesn't phase him. His reading of the game is impeccable and ensures he's never left exposed when team-mates move further forward. Furthermore, his comfortable high up the pitch style fits seamlessly into Tuchel's approach out of possession play.

The Spaniard is an effective ball-winner who uses his speed to outwit opponents. Additionally, he poses a considerable threat in combination play as he can quickly connect with team-mates to form opportunities.

Cucurella may need to compete for his spot at centre-back with Lewis Hall, but his performance in the Carabao Cup win against Brighton may just be enough to push him ahead. Already this season he has impressed his teammates.

He’s learning from his manager

Cucurella recognizes he hasn't played as much for Chelsea this season due to being outclassed in terms of left back competition by Lewis Hall (now at Newcastle), Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill.

At Brighton, Cucurella demonstrated intelligent defensive tactics without Dunk and Burn. By pressing high up the pitch and anticipating any space left open by their narrow frontline, he successfully filled any vacated spots. When defending deeper, Cucurella quickly decelerated an opponent attack by moving out wide to delay its progress so a colleague could join him and form a 2v2 defence formation.

Cucurella arrived at Stamford Bridge with this plan in mind; he wants to replicate his success at The Amex and believes he can do that under Ten Hag's tutelage and with help from his teammates.