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Marc Cucurella: Examining the Resurgence of Chelsea’s Record-Breaking Full-Back Byline: BBC Sport Analyst Marc Cucurella, the Spanish international defender, is increasingly cementing his status as a pivotal figure for both Chelsea and the Spain national team, marking a decisive upturn in form following a period of intense scrutiny over his record transfer fee. The left-back, who joined the West London club in 2022 for a fee rising to £63 million, has recently played a crucial role in vital Premier League and European fixtures, contributing significantly to key victories and earning widespread praise for his tactical flexibility. His recent assist in the closely fought 2-1 win against Liverpool highlighted not only his attacking potential but also his renewed confidence and influence within the squad structure developed by manager Enzo Maresca. The 27-year-old’s journey at Stamford Bridge has been characterised by considerable variance since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion. His high-profile move, which made him one of the most expensive left-backs in football history, initially brought immense pressure, leading to inconsistent performances that were frequently scrutinised by media and supporters. However, the commencement of the 2025/26 season appears to have initiated a clear period of stability and ascendancy for Cucurella. Following the recent victory over rivals Liverpool, his contribution was recognised with inclusion in the Premier League's official Team of the Week, a reflection of his enhanced output on the left flank. This improvement comes amid an environment of structural change at Chelsea, where adaptability has become a core requirement for players.
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Cucurella’s transformation is arguably rooted in his deployment within Maresca’s tactical system. While traditionally a dynamic overlapping left-back or wing-back, the Spaniard has frequently been tasked with performing an inverted role, moving into central midfield areas when Chelsea are in possession. This strategic assignment leverages his proficiency on the ball and passing range, allowing him to operate as an auxiliary playmaker and shield the central defensive line in transition. His positional versatility, having also been previously utilised as a left-sided centre-back in a back three, has proved invaluable to the current manager, enabling fluid structural shifts mid-game. Data confirms his importance, with Cucurella logging more Premier League minutes last season than several of the club's high-profile central midfielders. His growing importance is reflected not just in his club minutes but also on the international stage. Cucurella was a standout performer for Spain during their triumphant UEFA European Championship campaign in 2024, an achievement that provided a crucial psychological boost. Following the tournament, the defender notably engaged in a light exchange with former England international and prominent television analyst Gary Neville, who had previously questioned Cucurella’s suitability for a winning side.
When Neville’s pre-tournament comments resurfaced, Cucurella shared them on social media with the succinct retort: “We went all the way Gary. ” This public display underscored a personal resilience and determination to overcome criticism that appears to have translated directly onto the pitch. Beyond his direct match contributions, Cucurella has also emerged as a vocal and supportive figure in the changing Chelsea dressing room, particularly regarding new arrivals. Speaking recently about young Argentinian winger Alejandro Garnacho, who arrived at the club this summer, Cucurella offered praise while also providing context for the team's early-season struggles. “He is a very important player with a lot of qualities,” Cucurella said, as quoted by BBC Sport. “It is true in the league that we have had ten men a lot and it is difficult to put on a winger because we have been mostly defending. I think today he had an opportunity [in the Champions League] and showed his level and that he can help the team. ” This commentary points to a broader understanding of the team dynamic and a willingness to publicly back his teammates, demonstrating an increasing maturity within the squad environment.
The player’s established roots—having come through Barcelona’s La Masia academy before proving himself at Eibar, Getafe, and Brighton—provide a robust foundation of experience across different systems and leagues, which Maresca appears to be capitalising on fully. Looking forward, Cucurella’s consistent availability and performance are likely to be central to Chelsea’s ambitions, particularly as the team competes across domestic competitions and the Champions League. His continuous high volume of minutes, spanning over 500 across five matches for club and country just off the back of a packed season, suggests he carries a significant physical burden. There remains a lack of an established, senior, dedicated replacement for the inverted left-back role within the Chelsea squad, placing heightened responsibility on Cucurella to maintain his current trajectory. Should he sustain this level of form and fitness, the narrative surrounding the Spanish defender will continue its shift from one defined by a record transfer fee to one marked by tactical utility and unwavering reliability.
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