Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on Marc Cucurella following the Spaniard’s standout performance in the Blues’ hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leicester City. The defender’s pinpoint strike from outside the box sealed another crucial three points for Chelsea, keeping them in the top four race.

Cucurella’s goal against the Foxes was his fifth since mid-December, and Maresca was quick to highlight the 26-year-old’s intelligence and versatility, which have been instrumental in Chelsea’s campaign.

“Marc has something that is difficult to find,” Maresca said. “He is clever and is intelligent. He scored two goals against Wolves and Brentford, and he is probably the smallest one in the team. This shows you how intelligent he is because he is in the right position.”

Despite being a full-back by trade, Cucurella has thrived in an advanced role under Maresca’s tactical setup. His attacking contributions have surprised many, and the Chelsea boss acknowledged his remarkable adaptability.

“He is playing like an attacking midfielder and is doing fantastic. He has scored four or five goals with us,” Maresca added.

With Chelsea set to face FC Kobenhavn in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday, Cucurella will be eager to continue his fine form and help push the Blues into the next round. Maresca may rotate his squad, as he did in the first leg, but after a challenging 2-1 victory in Denmark, Cucurella’s presence could be key in securing Chelsea’s place in the quarter-finals.