Former Premier League player Jamie O’Hara admitted he’s been shocked by the transformation of Marc Cucurella at Chelsea.
Chelsea signed Cucurella for £63m in the summer of 2023, and the Spain international had a really difficult first season.
The former Brighton star was booed at times by Chelsea supporters, and found it really difficult to produce any level of performance on the pitch.
Jamie O’Hara praises Marc Cucurella
The Spaniard showed signs of improvement under Mauricio Pochettino, and performed well out of position at left back at the start of the 2023/2024 season.
However, it wasn’t until the back end of the campaign after Cucurella returned from injury that he started to show his best form.
He was inverted into midfield when the team were in possession and the tactical change seemed to completely transform him.
Cucurella has totally transformed his Chelsea career. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old finished that campaign brilliantly, and carried his form into last season where he was superb as Chelsea won both the Conference League and Club World Cup.
The left back has now established himself as one of Chelsea’s most important players, and is very much a fan favourite.
Cucurella assisted Estevao’s last minute winner against Liverpool, and O’Hara believes he’s the perfect example of why players need time.
“I remember when Cucurella went in at Chelsea,” he said on talkSPORT.
“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.”
Jorrel Hato to provide cover at left back
Despite how good Cucurella is, he will need to be managed this season, and the Blues addressed a major gap in their squad in the summer.
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Chelsea signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax, which now gives them an alternative, and the 19-year-old will surely learn a lot from Cucurella.
Hato has arguably impressed more at centre back this season, but having an alternative at left back will be invaluable for Chelsea as the campaign goes on.
