Local media hail Chelsea ace for "excellent" performance for his country, claim he learnt his "lesson"
03/24/2025 10:30 AM
Marc Cucurella continued is impressive season as Spain advanced to the semi finals of the Nations League on Sunday evening.
The European champions edged past the Netherlands on penalties after an enthralling 3-3 draw with the attacking play very much outshining the defending.
Cucurella started the second leg at left back and completed the full 120 minutes, with the 26-year-old now a key player for both club and country.
Local media praise Cucurella performance
Cucurella has established himself as a key player for the Blues under Enzo Maresca, with the Italian hailing his intelligence.
The former Brighton man has added goals to his game this season, and looks settled at Stamford Bridge, despite questions about a return to Barcelona.
Cucurella was criticised for his performance in the first leg, but he received praise from the local media for his performance on Sunday night.
Spanish publication Sport as quoted by The Chelsea Chronicle wrote:
"He was more restrained than usual so Frimpong wouldn't overwhelm him like he was in Rotterdam.
He came out with his lesson learned and put on a very good defensive display.
"His excellent defensive work prevented him from becoming too involved in the attack."
Cucurella's transformation into fan favourite and key player has been quite something given he was booed by supporters in his first season.
The inverted role certainly suits him and he's been one of, if not the best left back in the league this season, whilst he's certainly in the running to be Chelsea's player of the year.
Cucurella has got a key role to play between now and the end of the season with Chelsea facing a difficult run in as they look to win the Conference League and secure Champions League football.
Chelsea need Cucurella to stay fit as they currently don't have a natural alternative to him in the squad, and a back-up left back could be needed this summer.
