Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella isn’t getting much rest over the international break because he just played 90 minutes for Spain.
On Thursday night, Spain secured a 2-2 away draw against the Netherlands in their Nations League quarter-final first leg. Incidentally, the second leg will take place on Sunday night with the tie evenly poised.
Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, 26, completed the full game for Spain in their draw against the Dutch.
The upturn in the defender’s club form can be traced back to last summer after he helped Spain win the Euro 2024 tournament, so his international journey is a big part of his career.
Frank Leboeuf admits Cucurella has won him over because he’s been outstanding so far during his third season at Chelsea after a challenging first two years at the club.
Photo by Hans van der Valk/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Photo by Hans van der Valk/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Cucurella earned his 14th senior cap for Spain in their entertaining draw in the first leg against the Netherlands.
In the national media, the Chelsea full-back did receive a small bit of criticism for his performance, with one outlet claiming that he ‘struggled’ against the pace of Dutch winger Jeremie Frimpong.
Spanish publication Sport wrote: “Marc Cucurella – 5/10. [Jeremie] Frimpong challenged the Maresme native time and again, forcing him to multiply his performances relentlessly, pushing himself to the limit. He struggled against the Dutchman, though, of course, he never threw in the towel. It is not in their creed.”
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In recent years, Cucurella may have completely folded in a tough 1v1 battle. It’s a sign of his growth in the past 12 months that he battled away and still showed real quality in possession.
During a recent interview, Cucurella explained he wants to show more leadership as an important player at Chelsea.
It wasn’t too long ago that pundits and fans were completely writing the left-back off as a player, but he’s now influential for club and country.
Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images
Marc Cucurella stats vs the Netherlands
Even though Cucurella received a bit of criticism from the Spanish national media after his latest display for his country, the statistics suggest it was another steady performance from the reliable full-back.
Minutes played Accurate passes Chances created Tackles won Interceptions Duels won Duels lost Dribbled past Match rating
90 60/62 (97%) 2 3/3 (100%) 6 4 8 4 7.4
Marc Cucurella statistics vs the Netherlands via FOTMOB
It could be an interesting battle if Frimpong and Cucurella lock horns again on Sunday evening.
Gary Lineker called Cucurella a “machine” when he helped Spain win Euro 2024 last year. If he can keep up his form, he’s got every chance of being an important player for his country during a very exciting generation.