Marc Cucurella has certainly carried his end-of-season form with Chelsea into this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
It’s now been two years since Chelsea signed Cucurella in a £60m transfer deal (Sky Sports) from Brighton.
It’s an understatement to say that the left-back has had a turbulent time at Stamford Bridge so far. His performances have largely been nowhere near his best.
However, the 25-year-old left-back definitely rediscovered something in his game during the final couple of months of last season.
Chelsea supporters should be delighted to see that Cucurella is continuing this purple patch of form while playing for his country at Euro 2024.
Marc Cucurella the leading defender at Euro 2024 in duels
Chelsea star Cucurella is currently having a fantastic tournament for Spain, the only team in the competition still with a 100% win record. Next, they face Georgia in the last-16 stage on Sunday.
He played in the victories over Croatia and Italy before being rested in the Albania win.
OptaJoe has shared via X that no defender at Euro 2024 so far has won more individual duels than Spain’s Cucurella (17/22).
It’s a great statistic that perfectly highlights the aggression he plays with at full-back.
Does he start for Chelsea next season?
When new boss Enzo Maresca builds his best XI at Chelsea, who will be the starting left-back? It should be a close battle between Cucurella and Ben Chilwell.
Based on what Maresca did at Leicester City last year, don’t be surprised if Chelsea’s full-backs invert into midfield next season.
The Chelsea Chronicle would have to edge with Cucurella to start at the beginning of next year. The in-form Spaniard may be well suited to the new style of football, plus he’s playing with such confidence right now.
It’s fantastic to see Cucurella in a Spain shirt proving he can perform on the biggest stage.
However, Chilwell is the club’s vice-captain and a top player in his own right. He needs to try avoid injuries and get back to his very best, though.