“One of the best players I’ve seen in training” – Marc Cucurella on “amazing” teammate | OneFootball

Marc Cucurella has transformed himself from boo boy to cult hero at Chelsea, and his fine end to the season really capped that off.

But when speaking to the club’s official website this week, he himself paid tribute to another player who had had an important role in the run of good results that saw the Blues climb back into the Champions League places and then win the Conference League.

Marc Cucurella hails “leader” Reece James

Reece James’ savage turn and cross against Man U.

“When I joined Chelsea, he was one of the best players I had ever seen in training, with his pace, his power,” the Spaniard said of captain Reece James.

“He came through tough moments because he’s had a lot of injuries and he needed to spend a lot of time off the pitch, but he is an amazing player and he is a leader. He showed that in the Conference League final. He changed the game, the big players need to stay in the big nights, and we are very happy to have Reece in the team.”

It’s interesting to see Cucurella refer to James’ leadership. That was an aspect of his personality which was criticised by Enzo Maresca earlier in the season, and it seems he’s really worked on it to improve things. You see the evidence of his growth everywhere.

James delivers in the big moments to help his team

Two crucial moments in those final weeks came with James at the heart of them. He swung in the cross for Cucurella to score from to earn 3 points against Manchester United, and then came on as a sub in the Conference League final to turn the game around in Wroclaw.

He may not play every minute – but when he’s on the pitch, you certainly notice it.