It looked like it was going to be a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea as they struggled to break down Leicester City during their Premier League tie on Sunday.
However, on the hour mark, Enzo Maresca‘s men made the breakthrough through a very surprising avenue: Marc Cucurella.
Maybe Chelsea supporters should not have been too shocked, though, as it was the 26-year-old’s fifth goal of the season, which is not bad for a left-back.
Cucurella has been one of Chelsea’s better signings in the Todd Boehly era, with Boehly having always had high hopes for him.
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Todd Boehly hailed Marc Cucurella as an ‘elite defender’
Chelsea signed Cucurella from Brighton & Hove Albion for over £60m back in the summer of 2022.
It was a lot of money, especially for a full-back, but Boehly was convinced that the Blues had struck gold.
Upon Cucurella’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, Boehly told Chelsea’s official website: “Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality and he further strengthens our squad going into the new season. We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea.”
Describing the Spaniard as an “elite” defender was not a small claim, and after a difficult first season in west London, he looked like anything but.
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However, fast forward to now, and Cucurella is just that. He has proven the above with many of his performances this term, including his latest against Leicester.
Last month, Cucurella claimed Chelsea needed to be more clinical. They failed to heed is advice in their latest win, with Cole Palmer missing a penalty. As a result, Cucurella took matters into his own hand and scored an excellent goal at the Bridge.
Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Cucurella was elite against Leicester
Cucurella was brilliant against the Foxes and not just because he bagged the decisive goal. Defensively, he was excellent, backing up Boehly’s claim.
For example, Cucurella made six clearances and eight defensive actions in total, according to Sofascore. No Chelsea player made more clearances than the Spain international, while only Tosin Adarabioyo recorded more defensive actions (nine) than him.
“Marc Cucurella wears his heart on the sleeve,” former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said while commentating on the game for the BBC. “He is all action all the time. He has scored the goal that has put Chelsea in front. One thing you can be sure is that you are always going to get 100% effort from him on the football pitch.”
Right now, it is hard to disagree with either the retired Australia international or Boehly.