{"id":123537,"date":"2023-11-25T15:04:19","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T15:04:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2023\/11\/25\/cucurella-has-shaken-off-the-blues-at-chelsea\/"},"modified":"2023-11-25T15:04:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-25T15:04:19","slug":"cucurella-has-shaken-off-the-blues-at-chelsea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2023\/11\/25\/cucurella-has-shaken-off-the-blues-at-chelsea\/","title":{"rendered":"Cucurella has shaken off the Blues at Chelsea \u2013"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Marc Cucurella is rebuilding a Chelsea career that looked to be over.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Spaniard came close to joining Manchester United on loan during the summer transfer window.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Instead he remained at Stamford Bridge and injuries to defenders have presented him with a chance to prove his worth to new manager Mauricio Pochettino.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ahead of Chelsea\u2019s trip to Newcastle on Saturday, we take a look at Cucurella\u2019s resurgence.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Emergency right-back<\/h2>\n

Cucurella was the poster boy for the reckless spending that took place in the early days of Todd Boehly\u2019s leadership at Chelsea.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Despite only having one season in the Premier League at Brighton and a solitary cap for Spain, the Londoners agreed to a deal worth \u00a362million for the left-back in the summer of 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The huge fee seemed to weigh heavily on Cucurella, who struggled in a debut season that saw him play under three different managers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chelsea were willing to let him join Manchester United on loan in August but ultimately a deal could not be agreed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Though he did not start the new season in Pochettino\u2019s plans, injuries to other full-backs have given him the chance to prove his worth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The absence of captain Reece James saw the 25-year-old drafted in as an emergency right-back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And his solid efforts there mean he has stayed in the team as a left-back in the absence of Ben Chilwell.<\/p>\n

Poch praise<\/h2>\n
\"Mauricio
Mauricio Pochettino is using Marc Cucurella more<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pochettino spoke about Cucurella\u2019s situation in October after he impressed as a right-back in the Carabao Cup win over Brighton.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cAfter the transfer window closed, we were talking in my office and we were very clear about how I see him and how I assess him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI listened to his feelings. Now it\u2019s about working really hard and waiting for the opportunity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe situation is clear. He is in our plans and if he deserves to play, he will play.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a difficult time for him when he arrived from Brighton, a tough situation not only for him but for many players, and that is why we need to give him confidence and trust him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was really good against Brighton on Wednesday playing on the right side. He is doing so well.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so happy with his performance and commitment. That is what we expect from our players.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Versatile option<\/h2>\n
\"Marc
Marc Cucurella has silenced the Chelsea boo-boys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pochettino and his staff had a big impact on full-backs during their time at Tottenham, with the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose all taking major strides in their careers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was therefore puzzling to see Chelsea willing to write off Cucurella so early, especially since they made such a big investment to secure his services.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Circumstances have presented the 5ft 8in defender with a fresh opportunity to prove himself and he has taken it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Being able to play on both sides of a back four and also as a third centre-back makes him a versatile option for Pochettino.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This is particularly true considering the fitness records of James and Chilwell, with neither full-back ever being far away from an injury absence over recent seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It is too early to make a call on Cucurella\u2019s long-term future at Chelsea but, for this campaign at least, he looks set to continue to make a contribution.<\/p>\n

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