Marc Cucurella’s Journey: From Barcelona to Chelsea

Marc Cucurella showcased his exceptional defensive skills once again this Tuesday, successfully neutralizing another opponent. However, this time, it was a significant occasion as he faced Lamine Yamal, representing Barcelona, the club where he honed his skills from a young age.

Cucurella’s tenure at Barcelona was unfortunately cut short, as he was unable to secure a position on the first team. With Jordi Alba firmly established as the starter and limited opportunities under various coaches, Cucurella eventually moved on, first to Eibar and later to Getafe. The latter club invested just under 12 million euros in what remains the most expensive transfer in their history.

During his time at Barcelona, Cucurella made only one appearance for the first team, participating in a Copa del Rey match against Murcia in the 2017-2018 season under coach Ernesto Valverde. In that match, Barcelona won 3-0, and Cucurella entered the field in the 83rd minute, substituting for Lucas Digne. He shared those fleeting minutes with notable players such as Cillessen, Semedo, Mascherano, and Rakitic.

Cucurella’s development continued in Barça B, where he played 54 matches, including 37 in the Segunda División. In the top flight, he accumulated 106 appearances between Eibar and Getafe, which ultimately sold him to Brighton for 18 million euros.

The move to Brighton proved pivotal, as Cucurella caught the attention of Chelsea, leading to a remarkable transfer valued at over 65 million euros. While some critics deemed this price excessive for a defensive full-back, Cucurella has since demonstrated his unique impact on the game. His ability to stifle opposing stars can be as valuable as scoring goals, complemented by his proficiency in ball distribution.

Currently, Cucurella is an indispensable asset for both the Spanish national team under Luis De la Fuente and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca. His transformation into one of the premier left-backs in the world has left Barcelona wishing they had utilized him more effectively, as they only had the chance to witness his talent for a mere seven minutes.