It was not the most stressful outing for Marc Cucurella as Chelsea beat Wolves 3-0 to temporarily go second in the Premier League.
The levels Cucurella has reached in recent games have seen him recognised as one of the best players in world football in his position.
Jamie O’Hara is amazed at Cucurella’s turnaround, after plenty of criticism went his way after he joined the club for indifferent performances.
Enzo Maresca seems to have unlocked a new feature to the Spaniard’s game since he took over, with him becoming a regular force in front of goal.
Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
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Alan Smith surprised Marc Cucurella isn’t scoring more goals
However, he is yet to find the net in the Premier League for the Blues this season, something that surprised Alan Smith when he heard about it while commentating for Sky Sports.
He said: “Given his attacking role, it is surprising Cucurella does not score more goals.”
It is true that Cucurella’s position in the Maresca system sees him frequently pick up attacking positions, however this is also true of whoever lines up on the right of defence.
Against Wolves, it was Malo Gusto in this role, and he marked his 98th Chelsea game with his first goal for the club to open the scoring.
Marc Cucurella poses after winning Player of the Match from Chelsea against Benfica in the Champions League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cucurella stepping up in big games for Chelsea
The Spaniard will be well aware he will face bigger tests than the one he did against Wolves, but his performances in big games should be very encouraging for Chelsea fans.
Cucurella was praised for his display against Tottenham last weekend, and a quick look at the fixture list after the international break shows just how important he is going to be for the Blues.
Chelsea face Barcelona and Arsenal in two of their first three games after the break, matches which give them an opportunity to stamp their authority in both the Champions League and Premier League.
While goalscoring will not be what the Blues are looking for from him, it only feels a matter of time before Cucurella is back on the scoresheet for Chelsea this season.