While Brazilian winger Willian Estevao captured headlines with his dazzling footwork and third Champions League goal in as many games, another Chelsea star quietly produced a performance of genuine world-class quality against Barcelona.
From Criticism to Acclaim: The Cucurella Transformation
Signed from Brighton for £63 million in August 2022, Marc Cucurella's early years at Stamford Bridge were marked by significant scrutiny. Pundit Jamie Carragher notably claimed the defender "didn't want to defend" during a defeat to Manchester City in January 2023 and later criticised his "schoolboy errors" against Tottenham Hotspur in 2024.
Fast forward to the current campaign under manager Enzo Maresca, and the Spanish international looks a completely transformed player. Now 27, Cucurella delivers mature, consistent performances week in, week out, contributing significantly both in defensive duties and when driving forward in attack.
A Big-Game Player Emerges
Cucurella is rapidly establishing himself as a footballer who thrives when the pressure is greatest. His talent for rising to the occasion was evident during Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, where he assisted the winning goal in the final and recorded the most combined tackles and interceptions for his national side throughout the tournament.
This propensity for elite performance was on full display again during Chelsea's Champions League clash with Barcelona. Tasked with containing the prodigiously talented Lamine Yamal, Cucurella executed his role superbly, effectively neutralising one of world football's most exciting young attackers.
Speaking on Amazon Prime after the match, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was effusive in his praise: "Cucurella was absolutely incredible. I think it's probably the best performance I have seen from a left-back for a very long time. To do that tonight, what he did, that shows he's a serious player."
The Ashley Cole Comparison
Chelsea's history is rich with exceptional full-backs, making the natural comparison between Cucurella and club legend Ashley Cole. While Cole's legacy—which includes winning the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, League Cup, and four FA Cups with the Blues—remains a lofty benchmark, the parallels in their playing styles and big-game mentality are striking.
Both players possess a tenacity that shines brightest against top-tier opposition. Cole famously delivered iconic defensive performances against wingers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben, and Ryan Giggs. Ronaldo himself once acknowledged Cole's prowess, stating: "Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe... You knew it would never be an easy game." It's a sentiment Barcelona's Yamal might now understand after facing Cucurella.
Securing his future at the club by signing a contract extension this summer that keeps him at Chelsea until 2028, Cucurella has laid the foundation to build a legacy akin to Cole's. While there is still considerable ground to cover, his current trajectory suggests he possesses all the necessary attributes to etch his name into Chelsea folklore.
