If Marc Cucurella was to handpick the game where he finally showed signs of living up to the price Chelsea paid for him, he would’ve selected the Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund.
After a 1-0 first leg loss, the Blues needed to pull out their best performance of the season in order to keep any faith and belief in what has been a dire season so far.
The Champions League holds the clubs only chance at a trophy in 2023, whilst also being their only realistic opportunity to qualify for next years’ version of the competition.
Graham Potter elected to stick with the back three formation that arguably saved his job when the Blues met Leeds United in the Premier League.
Benoit Badiashile put in a solid as ever performance that day, however the return of the Champions League meant he was unavailable for selection.
Cucurella surely back in Potter’s plans
The former Brighton man looked to one of his former comrades to fill the left centre-back role, with it being Cucurella’s first appearance in the side at all in the last three games.
He looked like a man possessed. He was quick to every tackle and first to every loose ball, as Chelsea defended high as they looked to keep the pressure on their opponents.
It seems as if he got in the head of a crucial Dortmund player too. Jude Bellingham confronted him at the end of the game for seemingly no reason, as the Spaniard was celebrating.
Chelsea fans will now be hopeful that the winger can keep up his form, with his defensive ability allowing Ben Chilwell to be at his attacking best on Tuesday.
The back three will surely suit the Spaniard way more going forwards, which could see him become an important player at Stamford Bridge again.