Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella has surprised plenty so far at Euro 2024 after starting both of Spain’s opening two groups stage matches.
The Spanish national team does have Alejandro Grimaldo in their Euros squad as an option at left back. He’s fresh coming off a stunning season in Germany as a key player for title winners Bayer Leverkusen, too.
However, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has emerged as the starting left-back for international boss Luis de la Fuente Castillo.
He started and played 90 minutes in Spain’s 3-0 win over Croatia last week. Now, the 25-year-old full-back has followed it up by playing every minute of Thursday night’s well-deserved 1-0 victory against Italy.
Spanish media reacts to Marc Cucurella vs Italy
It looks like Cucurella is quickly becoming a huge favourite in Spain for the way he’s performing at Euro 2024.
The aggressive defender discovered his form towards the end of last season in Chelsea colours, so it’s great to see him now replicate that on the international stage.
Here is how several different Spanish publications reacted to Cucurella’s display against Italy.
Sport wrote: “Cucurella, 8/10. Lesson in courage and defensive aggressiveness.. He was quick in the cut and this caused his name to be even chanted by the Spanish fans. He has established himself as the starting left back.”
Marca said: “Cucurella: The revelation of the Euro Cup. Controlling Fratesi very well so far. Quick in anticipation and making himself visible in attack… The left-handed back is everywhere and it seems that he never tires of stealing balls from every Italian player who passes through his impact zone. 30 PERFECT minutes… Constant danger every time he shows himself in attack and a wall behind. Imperial. Matches like this and in scenarios like this… end up marking football careers. A born ball recoverer and creator of danger: his game has been the perfect mix between Marcelo and Mendy. Tremendous… Final grade: 10… even 11.”
Mundo Deportivo wrote: “Marc Cucurella: Imperial. There are those who do not understand that he is a starter ahead of Grimaldo and he took it upon himself to explain it to them with an excellent performance. He was very good both in defense and attack.”
Match statistics
FotMob data has provided the stats from Cucurella’s eye-catching performance for Spain last night.
- Match rating – 8.5
- Minutes played – 90
- Touches – 73
- Accurate passes – 52/53 (98%)
- Chances created – 3
- Passes into final third – 2
- Tackles won – 4/5 (80%)
- Interceptions – 3
- Recoveries – 7
- Clearances – 2
- Duels won – 10
- Duels lost – 3
If we were picking a very early team of the tournament for Euro 2024, Cucurella would be one of the first names in it.