Real Madrid licking their lips as new signing impresses heavily at the World Cup | OneFootball

Marc Cucurella has been Real Madrid’s biggest purchase in the summer so far, joining from Chelsea in a deal worth around €60 million.

It was a shrewd call by Jose Mourinho, who wanted the Spanish international to add more quality to Real Madrid’s left-back department, despite his Barcelona past and the fact that his move to the Bernabeu would draw the ire of many Barça fans.

But the gutsy move has paid off well for Los Blancos as Cucurella has emerged as one of Spain’s top performers at the World Cup.

Cucurella’s brilliant World Cup campaign so far

Indeed, Cucurella has been nothing short of exceptional at the tournament, becoming a key cog in Spain’s creative department.

One of the best left-backs in the World Cup so far. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

As pointed out by MARCA, the full-back has covered more ground than any other Spain player across the four matches so far, racking up 42,922 metres at an average of 10,730.5 metres per game, a figure that places him 25th among all players at the World Cup.

He has also made the most sprints of any Spanish player, with an incredible 174.

That relentless engine allows him to maintain a presence in both penalty areas, constantly pressing, winning the ball back and then reappearing in advanced positions.

It has become one of Spain’s most potent weapons down the left flank.

Cucurella has been equally impressive with the ball at his feet, playing with enormous confidence, contributing to Spain’s build-up play and forging a strong understanding with Alex Baena down the left.

The full-back has already registered two assists and has come close to scoring on multiple occasions.

Cucurella’s understanding with Baena has been impressive. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Against Saudi Arabia, one of his driving runs ended in a shot that was ultimately credited as an own goal, while against Austria, he had a goal disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper.

A perfect fit for Mourinho

For Real Madrid, Cucurella’s form could not be more encouraging.

The club know they have signed a top-level, charismatic Spanish player, but above all one of extraordinary reliability.

Cucurella rarely dips below a high standard, the kind of player whose performances seem to start at an eight before he builds from there.

That consistency makes him an ideal fit for Mourinho, who is demanding immediate results at the Bernabeu.

In Cucurella, the Portuguese coach may have found the ideal upgrade over the current crop, including Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras.