Ally McCoist explains why Marc Cucurella is so good for Chelsea after watching him in Champions League

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Despite a number of strong individual performances, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella was awarded the Player of the Match award from the group stage match against Benfica.

The Spaniard was one of the key starters who kept his place in the side, while the likes of Reece James and Joao Pedro dropped to the bench.

Pedro Neto impressed with his performance, while pundits praised Moises Caicedo for the impact he had in the middle of the park in a narrow 1-0 victory.

A return to clean sheets was a welcome sign for Enzo Maresca, and Cucurella was crucial to them holding on late on after a wave of Benfica pressure late on.

Ally McCoist praises Marc Cucurella after Chelsea vs Benfica

He also showed signs of the attacking form that had seen him become one of Chelsea’s top scorers in the second half of season. He combined well with Alejandro Garnacho on the left of attack.

His intensity is what caught the eye of Ally McCoist while he provided commentary of the game for TNT Sports.

He said: “He doesn’t give you a minute’s peace. He’s there again, fantastic. That’s what he does.”

Cucurella struggled against Bayern Munich and the matchup with Michael Olise in the opening group stage game, and will be delighted to have bounced back in style.

With a big game against Liverpool to come, the Spaniard can take confidence in the fact that he looks close to his best just days in advance.

Cucurella’s impressive stats vs Benfica

In an inexperienced defence, Cucurella stepped up for his manager to protect the three points late on, whilst also creating chances at the other end too.

The Spaniard has proven to be one of the first names on the teamsheet since Maresca came in, and faces the task of lining up against Mohamed Salah at the weekend at Stamford Bridge.

He restricted him well the last time the two sides played, however at that point Liverpool had already won the Premier League, whereas Chelsea were still very much playing for a place in the Champions League.