“He is helping his other teammates improve drastically and the improvements are showing in the games we have been playing. It is a good thing that the former manager didn’t get rid of him earlier” – This is according to Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca as he explains how an underrated Chelsea star is helping to improve the performances of the players around him.

 

Enzo Maresca praised Marc Cucurella ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming match against Brighton, noting how the player is helping improve those around him.

Chelsea spent over £60 million to sign Cucurella from Brighton in 2022, but he struggled in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, even facing boos from his own fans as the team finished 12th.

Cucurella was close to leaving for Manchester United on loan last summer but stayed at Chelsea and ended the season strongly.

Maresca is a big admirer of Cucurella. During a challenging game against Aston Villa, Mauricio Pochettino made a tactical adjustment, moving Cucurella into midfield when Chelsea had possession, a role he quickly adapted to.

The Spanish international looked revitalized and carried his form onto the international stage, playing a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.

Cucurella has now become one of the first names on Chelsea’s team sheet, solidifying his position as the club’s first-choice left-back and a key player.

 

The 26-year-old has turned his Chelsea career around and is now a fan favorite. Maresca praised Cucurella ahead of the match against his former club, Brighton.

 

“Marc is very important. He possesses qualities that can be hard to find in players,” Maresca told reporters.

“Marc is excellent, and he’s also making the players around him better because he’s always communicating, always demanding more.

When you have five, six, or seven players like Marc, constantly talking and pushing others to improve, it’s very valuable. I’m very happy with him,” said Maresca.

 

Cucurella was rested for the Carabao Cup match against Barrow on Tuesday, but he is expected to return to the starting lineup against his former club as Chelsea aim for a third consecutive league win and to give Maresca his first league victory at Stamford Bridge.