Martin Keown says £60m Chelsea player is so ‘vital’ for the way Enzo Maresca plays this season

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Martin Keown has singled out a Chelsea first-team player who’s emerging as a really important figure this season under Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea are off to a decent start under Enzo Maresca following his arrival in the summer as the new head coach.

There’s been an immediate feel-good factor build around Stamford Bridge after collecting 10 points from their first five Premier League games. Also, we’re already starting to see an identity and style of play emerge on the pitch so soon into the new managerial reign.

Speaking via Sky Sports this week, Jamie Redknapp praised Maresca for his early impact at Chelsea.

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Martin Keown on Marc Cucurella’s importance to Chelsea

According to Martin Keown, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is featuring as such a key part of their side this campaign.

The 26-year-old Spaniard has started every game of the Premier League season so far, operating as a left-back that regularly tucks into midfield pockets in possession to help with the build up play.

“Marc Cucurella plays a vital role, acting as the inverted left back, moving into midfield as an extra option. At Bournemouth, he was so advanced that his average position was higher than the midfielders,” Keown told The Daily Mail.

It’s quite telling that Maresca has said Cucurella makes those around him better via Football.London this week.

The £60m star now delivering

It’s going to be quite hard for any full-back to live up to such a giant transfer cost, but Chelsea’s £60m signing (BBC) of Cucurella from Brighton a couple of years ago is beginning to make more sense.

Cucurella was sensational in the summer as a key player for a Spain team that won Euro 2024. He’s carried that momentum into his club form this term, too.

As mentioned above, we’re seeing Cucurella heavily involved for Chelsea when they’re in possession. On top of that, the full-back is defending with so much aggression and clarity right now.

A big boost for the Blues is there’s now some consistency in selection in defence, with Cucurella a big part of that.