Chelsea hope for another exceptional season from key player after buying important backup | OneFootball

It’s the 3rd day in August – time to check out how our number 3 is getting on this month.

We hope that Marc Cucurella is spending the entire month sat squarely on the beach. He’s earned it.

He has had one of the most incredible 18 months we can remember from a footballer at Chelsea. After being close to a loan move to Man U in the summer of 2023 after a very difficult first season at Stamford Bridge, it seemed like the writing might be on the wall for him. The surgery he had on an injury later that year really looked like it might be the death knell of his Chelsea future.

Cucurella shines – and finally has relief

Marc Cucurella celebrates a big win. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)

Instead, almost immediately upon returning things looked up. He played better and better for Mauricio Pochettino, earned a starting spot for Spain at the Euros. He shone there, and just got better and better through last season.

Cucurella was great for Enzo Maresca, an indispensable first team player all year. But he racked up a crazy number of minutes, especially once Renato Veiga was loaned out in January. We were lucky he didn’t break down physically or lose form after playing so much.

Left back may need time to get back up to speed

In the end, help has arrived. Clearly the sporting directors knew it was a priority to bring in a backup, and Jorrel Hato looks to be that man. the deal to sign the Dutchman isn’t confirmed yet, but it looks close. He will hopefully bring a lot to the team, and help Cucurella play less and rest more.

After such a gruelling couple of years, ending with the Club World Cup, the Spaniard will need some time at the start of the season to get back up to speed following late holiday – we hope Hato is ready to step in right away.