There’s a statistic from this season that helps highlight the U-turn from Marc Cucurella in his Chelsea career.
Marc Cucurella, 25, endured a very difficult first campaign in Chelsea colours last year. His £60million price tag (Sky Sports) certainly didn’t help.
However, there’s definitely signs that the Spanish defender is finding his feet in the last few months.
The aggressive left-back is playing more regularly and performing a lot more consistently in Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues line-up so far this season.
We still think there’s a way to go before he can start to justify the transfer fee, but there’s a lot to be encouraged about by the big improvement lately.
Tackling machine
Mozo Football has recorded data via X that says Cucurella is Chelsea’s best player in the Premier League this season when it comes to the most successful tackles per game (3.1)
In fact, he ranks fifth highest from players across the entire division.
The full-back certainty plays on the front foot and loves contact, so perhaps it’s not the biggest surprise. The fact he’s ahead of energetic Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher in Chelsea’s statistics may be the only shock.
Gallagher has still made the most overall tackles from a Chelsea player in the league this season with 39m(Premier League’s official website).
Marc Cucurella form at Chelsea
We’re delighted to see Cucurella look a lot better this season, albeit five yellow cards means he missed last weekend’s league win over Brighton through suspension.
Our guess is that he’ll return straight to the starting XI on Wednesday night away to Manchester United.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano said via Substack in October that Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been delighted with Cucuella’s form this season.
The 25-year-old left-back needs to keep up this momentum, while also keeping an eye on his discipline when he’s defending with high intensity and aggression.
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