Jamie O’Hara says Chelsea player has gone from ‘terrible’ to one of the world’s best in his position

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Jamie O’Hara has been stunned by the transformation of one player at Chelsea, claiming he’s gone from zero to hero at Stamford Bridge.

As a club, Chelsea have taken giant strides forward on the pitch across recent seasons. There are several key players that have been part of that upward trajectory, too.

Chelsea’s plan with their squad building has been to bring together a young group that can gel and eventually become a lasting success. Of course, it’s a very different approach to the previous ownership model.

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Jamie O’Hara calls Marc Cucurella one of the world’s best left-backs

TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara thinks Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, 27, is proof that you’ve got to give players time at new clubs. In fact, he’s claimed that the Spain international has gone from “terrible” to an elite left-back during his Blues career.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s The Sports Bar, O’Hara said: “I remember when Cucurella went in at Chelsea. He was terrible, and everyone was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s the worst £60m we’ve ever spent.’ Cucurella – now you probably put him in one of the top five defenders, left backs, in the world. He’s brilliant, so you’ve got to give players time.”

After joining the Blues from Brighton for £60m (BBC) in 2022, Cucurella had an extremely challenging debut season in West London. In fact, reports in July 2023 claimed that Chelsea wanted to sell Cucurella.

The all-action full-back showed great determination to grow into the shirt and eventually become a fan favourite.

Ally McCoist is a major fan of Cucurella, claiming that he brings so much intensity in everything he does.

Marc Cucurella the creator

There are so many things to love about Cucurella’s game right now, including his consistency, his aggression, and his stamina. The Spaniard’s attacking influence is really standing out, though.

As you can see above, Cucurella has created more chances than any other Chelsea player so far in this season’s Premier League.

The adventurous full-back assisted Estevao Willian’s stoppage-time goal against Liverpool before the international break with his clever pass across the penalty box. It is not uncommon that he finds himself high up the pitch creating for his teammates, regardless of what time it is.