Chelsea fans will be delighted to hear former Premier League striker Troy Deeney admit he has been proven wrong about Marc Cucurella’s impact at Stamford Bridge. The Spanish defender, who arrived for £60m from Brighton in the summer of 2022, has emerged as Chelsea’s first-choice left-back this season, defying his critics in the process.
Initially, eyebrows were raised at Cucurella’s signing, with many questioning the need for the Spaniard when England international Ben Chilwell was already at the club. But Chilwell’s injury struggles have opened the door for Cucurella, who has seized his opportunity, featuring in 12 of Chelsea’s 13 Premier League games this campaign.
Deeney, who named Cucurella in his Premier League Team of the Week for BBC Sport, admitted: “He has surprised me. I didn’t think he was going to be that good. I also thought: Why did Chelsea buy him when they had Ben Chilwell? But clearly they know more than me and they showed what they can do. He’s doing really well.”
Cucurella wasn’t the only Chelsea player to earn a spot in Deeney’s Team of the Week. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and midfielder Enzo Fernandez were also included for their performances in the Blues’ impressive 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.
While Deeney acknowledged Sanchez’s clean sheet against Villa, he maintained doubts about the Spaniard’s suitability as Chelsea’s No. 1:
“I have criticised Sanchez on multiple podcasts, radio shows and Match of the Day because I think he is the reason that they are going to ultimately end up missing out on the top four. For the first time in a long time, he got a clean sheet – so you have to give him some credit and say well done to him.”
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez has continued to silence doubters with a string of impressive performances. The Argentine World Cup winner, signed for a record £107m from Benfica, struggled initially but is now thriving in Chelsea’s midfield. Fernandez scored yet again against Aston Villa, taking his goal contributions to seven in his last four matches.
Deeney commended Fernandez for his resurgence, saying: “After a slow start to the season and a difficult summer, with his comments and things of that nature, he looks like he is coming out of it the other side now. Taking the armband off him made him sit and wait, and relaxed him. Now we’re seeing a team developing and he’s starting to develop with it, so I thought I would give him some credit. Obviously the goal helps.”
Chelsea’s resurgence under Enzo Maresca sees them sitting third in the Premier League table, level on points with second-placed Arsenal. The Blues will look to continue their fine form in Wednesday’s trip to St Mary’s to face Southampton. With players like Cucurella and Fernandez stepping up, the team appears ready to sustain a strong challenge this season.