Marc Cucurella has faced off against the very best in the world for Chelsea and Spain, but one player stands out — and he almost ended up a Blue.
Some of the most exciting talents in world football do their best work off the right flank, which has presented plenty of difficult matchups for Cucurella.
John Terry says Cucurella is one of the best in the world in his position, based off how well he tends to fare against some of the most talented attackers.
When Barcelona came to Stamford Bridge last month, Cucurella shut down Lamine Yamal, showing once again that he can contain even the very best.
It’s another former Barcelona star who he chooses, though— a player who came close to landing at Chelsea.
Spain's Marc Cucurella competing against France's Ousmane Dembele in the semi-final of EURO 2024.
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Marc Cucurella names Ousmane Dembele as his toughest opponent
Ousmane Dembele was named the best player in the world last season. Cucurella doesn’t disagree.
The Frenchman led PSG to a first-ever Champions League title with an emphatic 5-0 win over Inter Milan.
Chelsea would beat that very side just weeks later in the Club World Cup final, and despite besting the European champions, Cucurella still found Dembele to be a formidable opponent.
In the latest episode of CFC Unlocked, Cucurella was asked a few quickfire questions. One of which was on the best he has faced. He quickly names the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.
Dembele was almost Todd Boehly’s first Chelsea signing back when he was at Barcelona. PSG would overtake the Blues in their pursuit, and the rest is history.
Chelsea are stacked with attacking talent, but Dembele would have been right up there with the best.
Chelsea pulled out of a move for Ousmane Dembele back in 2022 😬
Can you think of a greater transfer fumble?
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele holding Ballon d'Or
Photo by Kristy Sparow – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Cucurella on Moises Caicedo
Two of Chelsea’s best Brighton acquisitions, Cucurella and Caicedo have played together for years.
While the Ecuadorian has really flourished this season, Cucurella has never doubted the talent.
He says: “When he played his first game [at Brighton], he was very good. He was very young, but you could see that he had different skills, his tackling, how his brain worked, very fast, and he always found the spare man. I’ve always loved his style.”
Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella applauding fans after Chelsea's win against West Ham
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Caicedo and Cucurella have come in for big money and justified the spend with their performances.
Theirs are the first names on the teamsheet for Enzo Maresca, and they are sure to play a huge part in any more success Chelsea find in the coming seasons.
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