Marc Cucurella’s goal was the difference between Chelsea and Leicester City in the Premier League match on Sunday, March 9.
The Blues struggled to create quality chances throughout the game, besides Cole Palmer’s penalty, so Cucurella’s goal was incredibly important.
Indeed, it was the type of close encounter where moments of brilliance are often needed to break the deadlock and the Spaniard delivered on this occasion.
His outside-the-box shot, reminiscent of Marcos Alonso, gave Chelsea a much-needed boost in the race for Champions League qualification.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Marc Cucurella wants to ‘improve’ in attacking areas
Cucurella had every right to bask in the glory of his superb goal but that’s not what he did in his post-match interview.
Instead, the 26-year-old explained that he wants to get better at the same thing he did so well against Leicester.
“We know that we need to defend with everything and today the team showed a lot of passion,” he told Sky Sports, via BBC Sport.
“I think Enzo [Fernandez] passed me the ball and I see that I have the option to shoot. Normally I wouldn’t but I tried. We got the three points and we want to fight for the objectives.
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“I’m really happy. I think it’s a long process, I needed to work really hard in my bad moments. Maybe something I need to improve is being more clinical in the final third.”
Chelsea fans will be hoping that goal-shy attackers Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho share the same mentality.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Marc Cucurella is already scoring more often for Chelsea
There is nothing wrong with Cucurella’s desire to contribute more in attacking areas, especially given his advanced role under Enzo Maresca, but he’s already improved plenty.
The following stats show that he has actually provided more goals and assists in the 2024/25 season than in the previous two campaigns combined.
Premier League season Goals Assists
2024/25 4 2
2023/24 0 2
2022/23 0 2
While Malo Gusto has not enjoyed playing as an inverted wing-back on the right, Cucurella has really benefitted from the tactical change.
The former Brighton defender now often finds himself in advanced areas and evidently has the quality to threaten the opposition.