Chelsea’s recent midfield predicament appears to have been resolved through an unexpected source. In the wake of Enzo Fernandez’s season-ending surgery, Mauricio Pochettino has had to devise a new strategy for the midfield trio, and it appears that he has discovered the solution in Marc Cucurella.
In their recent fixture against Aston Villa, Pochettino deployed Cucurella as an inverted left-back, providing an additional presence in the midfield that allowed Chelsea to seize control of the game, resulting in two late goals. This tactical adjustment was once again employed in their match against Tottenham, where Cucurella’s contribution proved to be a challenge for the opposition.
In the absence of Destiny Udogie, Tottenham’s primary midfielder, Cucurella was able to significantly influence the game. His performance underscored his worth to the team and validated the interest shown by top clubs such as Manchester City.
Following a substantial investment of £62 million to secure Cucurella’s signature, Chelsea’s decision initially raised doubts. Nonetheless, Pochettino’s innovative utilization of the player has demonstrated his ability to excel within the team. Cucurella’s capacity to adapt to different defensive positions has proven pivotal for Chelsea during their injury crisis, solidifying his position within the team.
The success of this tactical adaptation has raised questions about the return of injured players like Reece James and Malo Gusto, with Cucurella’s performances making it unlikely for them to immediately regain their positions.
Overall, Pochettino’s handling of Cucurella has unquestionably been a game-changer for Chelsea. It will be intriguing to observe how this new indispensable player continues to contribute to the team’s success in the future.
Supporters of Chelsea can receive real-time updates on their beloved team by joining the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, ensuring that they stay informed about the latest developments. Simply follow the link and activate notifications to remain up-to-date.