As Chelsea’s numerous top players continue to represent their countries, there was a huge game for one player in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Marc Cucurella started for Spain again at left-back in a thrilling second leg tie against the Netherlands, with the Chelsea man now one of the key players for the European Championships after his excellent campaign in 2024.
The defender has impressed greatly at Stamford Bridge despite testing times for the Blues recently. Jason Cundy said Cucurella has been as good as Cole Palmer this season.
The first leg tie between Spain and the Netherlands saw the game end 2-2, however Cucurella was criticised by national media for his performance.
Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella excellent for Spain vs Netherlands
His nation were victorious on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the second leg, a game where the attacking quality overshadowed some of the defending on display.
However, the Chelsea man was praised for his display, described by Sport as ‘excellent’.
They said: “He was more restrained than usual so Frimpong wouldn’t overwhelm him like he was in Rotterdam. He came out with his lesson learned and put on a very good defensive display. His excellent defensive work prevented him from becoming too involved in the attack.”
Recent games at Stamford Bridge have seen Cucurella provide more of an attacking threat.
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The defender scored the only goal of the game when the Blues beat Leicester recently, with all of the attackers being out of ideas.
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
Cucurella outshone by Chelsea transfer target Dean Huijsen
Alongside Cucurella at the back, Dean Huijsen made just his second appearance for his country after an excellent campaign so far with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The teenager provided an assist for Lamine Yamal, and Sport were pleasantly surprised with his brilliant display for his country.
They said: “The 19-year-old surprised everyone with his composure. He delivered a golden pass to Nico Williams, which the striker couldn’t capitalize on in a brutal start to the match. However, the Dutch-born player had to ease off after the break to defend more in the box and was able to play less.”
Chelsea have been strongly linked with signing Huijsen at the end of this season, however they won’t be the only ones interested in bringing him in this summer.
This is due to his £50m release clause, a figure which looks extremely generous based on the potential he is showing already.