Gary Neville’s hurtful remarks plagued Marc Cucurella going into Euro 2024, but the Chelsea player might make him regret them in the championship game.
Marc Cucurella would be well to remember himself of how far he has come as Spain prepares to play England in the Euro 2024 final. Commentator Gary Neville made cruel remarks about Chelsea’s left back, implying that Luis de la Fuente’s club wouldn’t win the tournament with him on it. They can now do it with just one more win.
Cucurella has started all but one of La Roja’s games in the competition; his absence against Albania is more likely the result of De la Fuente rotating the team than of the Chelsea left-back being benched due to bad play.
In addition, the 25-year-old has proven to be a reliable member of their four-man defence. His defensive dedication and perseverance have been invaluable on multiple occasions throughout Spain’s run to the championship.
It follows Neville’s assessment of Cucurella prior to the competition, when he predicted that Spain’s left-back issues would prevent them from making it to the championship game.
In June, Neville told ITV Sport, “We didn’t think he’d play.” “He’s played a couple games towards the end of the season, but he hasn’t been that convincing at Chelsea. He’s a lively little full-back who is pushy and persistent.”
Since joining Stamford Bridge for £62 million in August 2023—a transaction that many felt was well beyond his market value—Cucurella has struggled at the club. The supporters have occasionally jeered him, but he hasn’t defeated Neville despite his performances under Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the previous campaign.
“To be honest, I think that price tag still amazes everyone today,” the former Manchester United defender continued.
“The Spanish defence has got a lot of experience now but there’s something just missing from Spain that makes you feel like they’re [not] going to go all the way.”And to be honest, the fact that he [Cucurella] plays left back is certainly another factor in our belief.”
Unavoidably, Cucurella was chosen by De la Fuente, and despite his comparatively small stature, he completed 90% of his passes, completed 2.4 tackles per game, and won 1.8 aerial challenges. He has kept players who are performing well, like Alex Grimaldo, who led Bayer Leverkusen to victory in the Bundesliga, off the team.
Cucurella was being urgently tried to be sold to Saudi Arabian teams at a huge loss in January, and the club even made a loan offer to Manchester United. However, Cucurella’s performances have even persuaded Chelsea to keep him in the squad for the upcoming season under new manager Enzo Maresca.
With just Unai Simon and Rodri having played more minutes than him, he is now one win away from being the European champion for Spain. Cucurella’s performance in the championship game could leave Neville furious with himself for writing off the revitalised left-back.
