Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has emerged as a popular member of the first team squad since breaking into the setup.
The Spaniard has done this on merit, putting in very strong performances at Stamford Bridge on a regular basis. Cucurella was recently in the Team of the Week in the Premier League.
It seems as if the defender has been turning around opinion of him in the process of performing well, with Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf apologising to Cucurella after previously being critical of his performances.
With Renato Veiga leaving the club on loan during the January transfer window, the former Brighton defender has been forced to play the majority of the minutes since then, including outings in the Conference League.
Enzo Maresca has clearly taken a liking to Cucurella too, and the Spain international is one of the few players whose place in the side is relatively comfortable right now.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Given how strong his performances have been for the last 12 months or so, it is no surprise that Cucurella has been linked with a move to Barcelona, the club who he spent the majority of his youth career with.
After winning Euro 2024, the faith in the left-back may never be stronger, and a move would feel perfect as far as they are concerned.
Cucurella has rubbished those claims though in an interview to Relevo, with his family in particular big fans of living in London.
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He said: “The truth is that I don’t think about it now. I mean, I’m fine where I am and such, I’m enjoying the moment.
“I really think they’re happier than I am in London. To live I like it a lot and they are very comfortable and time is a little what kills, but I think that for an experience of a few years… Let’s see, never say never, right? I think I wouldn’t live there forever, but to stay a few more years, I’m very happy.”
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Cucurella transformed under Enzo Maresca
Something that has been notable about Cucurella’s season has been the fact that he is finding the net more regularly.
He has five goals to his name in all competitions this season, and came closest to scoring in their last Premier League game against Arsenal when Cole Palmer was not fit to feature.
It is clear that Maresca has transformed Cucurella to influence the attack far more than he did when Mauricio Pochettino was leading the side.
This has also allowed the manager to get what he sees as the best out of Reece James, with him seeing the club captain having a future in midfield at Chelsea.