Exclusive: Enzo Maresca decides to change transfer plans at Chelsea ahead of January window
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EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey
Chelsea were looking to sign a new left-back during the summer transfer window.
Milos Kerkez was a concrete target for Chelsea in the summer as the club geared up to sell Ben Chilwell.
However, much like their search for a new striker, Chelsea failed to bring in a new left-back before the deadline, and they had to make do with what they had.
Reece James recently played at left-back for the Blues, but that spot has largely been occupied by Marc Cucurella this season.
Cucurella has performed admirably for Chelsea during this period, so much so that the Blues have changed their transfer plans.
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Chelsea no longer prioritising a new left-back.
TBR Football understands that Marc Cucurella has won over Enzo Maresca and Chelsea no longer see a new left-back as a priority in the near future.
The Spaniard enjoyed a brilliant summer with his country as they sealed the European crown.
Cucurella, though, was initially deemed surplus to Chelsea's long-term requirements over the summer.
The club's hierarchy was not convinced that Cucurella would be a right fit for Maresca, but opinions have changed.
Cucurella himself made it clear that he thought he had a future at the club and the 26-year-old has proven himself beyond any major doubts.
Chelsea's footballing department had been assessing left-back options, but we understand that is no longer a priority with Cucurella and summer signing Portuguese international Renato Veiga looking more than capable.
Marc Cucurella stats this season
Cucurella has been much improved this season, and when you look at his stats, you can see where he has got better.
| Marc Cucurella stats 2023/24 | Marc Cucureella stats 2024/25 | |
| Games | 21 | 10 |
| Goals conceded | 38 | 11 |
| Goals conceded per game | 1.8 | 1.1 |
| Tackles per game | 3 | 1.4 |
| Dribbled past per game | 1.4 | 0.9 |
| Key passes per game | 1.2 | 0.2 |
| Pass success rate | 86.8% | 89.8% |
On the surface, Cucurella's numbers look worse than they did last season. After all, he's making fewer tackles and creating less.
However, simply making tackles isn't the sign of a good defender. In fact, that's the trait of a rash full-back who is lacking positional discipline.
Yes, Cucurella is tackling less, but he’s also being dribbled past on fewer occasions, and connecting with more of his passes, even if they aren’t as progressive or attack-minded.
This season, Cucurella has played much smarter, meaning he's had to do less while being just as effective in a defensive sense.
There's a reason Chelsea sit third in the league right now with a defensive record on-par with Manchester City's, Enzo Maresca has instilled a new way of defending into this team, and it's working a treat.
Chelsea have proven so far this season that they're capable of achieving their short-term goals with Cucurella playing a key role at left-back.
