This summer, Chelsea have had a lot of players at international tournaments.
For example, the likes of Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella have been competing at Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, in the United States, where the Copa America is currently being held, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have got to represent their respective countries.
Looking at Chelsea‘s squad, it is one filled with international players.
And one of those stars was always confident that he could play for his country.
Chelsea star thriving on the international stage
There has been a lot of talk about Cole Palmer lately after his spot-kick in England’s penalty shoot-out win against Switzerland over the weekend.
Right now, though, the spotlight also needs to be on Cucurella, who is having an exceptional tournament in Germany.
The left-back always believed that he could do well at this level and has been speaking about that and his upturn in form.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s sooner or later, if people talk about you, it’s good,” Cucurella was quoted as saying by RTE. “What is happening is the fruit of many years of working in silence.
“Nobody has given me anything so I am very happy right now. I knew that if I worked hard and gave my best, this could happen. It’s a dream to be here and a lot of people would give everything they have to be here where I am.”
Marc Cucurella right to give himself a pat on the back
There is nothing wrong with Cucurella giving himself a bit of praise.
He has had a hard time since joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion back in 2022.
At one stage under Mauricio Pochettino, he was even playing at right-back, with his former manager preferring the likes of Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell over him.
However, things have obviously got much better for Cucurella, who has been thriving at Euro 2024.
His average of 2.8 tackles per game is the second highest in Spain’s squad behind Rodri’s (three), according to WhoScored.
The former Brighton man, who is on a £175,000-a-week contract (Spotrac) in west London, is doing well and will be hoping he can maintain this form at Chelsea in the upcoming season.
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