Marc Cucurella makes a massive Chelsea statement in UCL

In just his sixth Champions League outing in a Chelsea shirt, the Spaniard demonstrated what he can bring to the Blues going forward as a left center back

In a contest that was going to decide the Blues fate going forward in the Champions League, the former Getefe standout showed a large improvement from his past displays with the west London side. He was one of five players with three or more progressive passes while completing the most passes and accumulating the highest pass completion percentage of any CFC player that played in more than eight minutes. He finished tied with Kai Havertz for the most final third entries for the west London outfit at five against Dortmund.

Cucurella’s interception in the middle of the pitch just six minutes in set the Blues off on their first real attack of the night. Although it did not conclude in a goal, it was a positive sign for things to come later in the game for the Spainard.

The aggression, and willingness to prove his place following a tough period was evident through all 90 minutes. Cucurella always had his eyes up, seeking out his teammates in the final third while staying mindful of the threats coming toward him. Just before halftime, the Spaniard won a header in the middle of the pitch that resulted in a Ben Chilwell strike just wide of the post. Cucurella was quick and decisive in his decision-making allowing for the Blues to use the possession it had in an effective manner.