Graham Potter so impressed by 24-year-old Chelsea player’s display vs Borussia Dortmund

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Graham Potter was full of praise for Marc Cucurella’s Chelsea display last night in the Champions League.

Cucurella, who’s had his fair share of criticism during a tough debut season in Chelsea colours, put in a top-class performance yesterday against Borussia Dortmund.

The 24-year-old defender lined up as the left-sided centre-back in a back three, with the Blues preferring that system in the past week.

Graham Potter’s side beat Dortmund 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to overturn a one-goal deficit and reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz were both on the scoresheet on a memorable European night.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Potter singled out Cucurella for massive individual credit.

He acknowledges the left-sided defender has been under pressure since his £60million move from Brighton last summer, but thinks he showed his quality yesterday against Dortmund.

“I’m delighted for him (Cucurella). Obviously when you’re having a bad time like we’ve had then you accept the criticism, you have to deal with it. Marc has dealt with it well. We’ve tried to shield him a little bit and at the same time pick the moment. I thought tonight, regardless of the situation, the crowd were going to get behind us because it’s the Champions League,” Potter said, as quoted by Football London.

“Tonight, with Benoit not available, I thought he [Cucurella] gave us the left foot and balance in the back-three and thankfully he delivered a top performance.”

Cucurella put in a really brave performance yesterday, which will go some way towards earning back the trust of supporters.

He was aggressive and positive with his work off the ball, making four interceptions during the 90 minutes (WhoScored). The Spaniard showed a directness and intent with his passing as well.

If Potter continues to stick with a back three, Cucurella can be a great option to start as the left-sided centre-half again.

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