In Focus: Cucurella looking to make his Marc under Poch

Mauricio Pochettino is rapidly running out of options at the back — and Marc Cucurella could come to the rescue. 

After a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard made just his second start under Poch as the Blues squeezed past Brighton 1-0 in the Carabao Cup last week. 

With skipper Reece James injured and Malo Gusto suspended, left-footed Cucurella played the entire game at right-back.

He won rare praise from the Chelsea faithful and could well step in on his favoured side tonight at Fulham due to vice-captain Ben Chilwell being back on the sidelines. 

But with centre-back Levi Colwill often preferred for the left-back berth in the Premier League, we run the rule over Cucurella's chances of getting another chance to impress. 

Difficult start

Cucurella, 25, did not have the happiest of beginnings in West London after being reunited with former Brighton boss Graham Potter. 

He cost the Blues a reported £62million and that price tag weighed heavily as he struggled his way through 33 appearances in all competitions. 

When Potter was axed, the defender also failed to impress under interim boss Frank Lampard — but Pochettino remains hopeful. 

Speaking ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage, he said: "After the transfer window closed, we were talking in my office and we were very clear about how I see him and how I assess him. I listened to his feelings. 

"Now it's about working really hard and waiting for the opportunity. The situation is clear. He is in our plans. 

"If he deserves to play, he will play. 

"It was a difficult time for him when he arrived from Brighton — a tough situation not only for him but for many players. That is why we need to give him confidence and trust him.

"He was really good against Brighton playing on the right side. He is doing so well. I am so happy with his performance and commitment — that is what we expect from our players."

Potential

While many have claimed Cucurella's impressive form for Brighton will not be repeated, the Blues are clearly not willing to throw in the towel. 

Compared to last season, the versatile ace flew high with the Seagulls in 2021-22. 

He created more chances (1.22 vs 0.59), attempted more take-ons (1.6 vs 0.59), lost fewer challenges (0.79 vs 1.61) and completed more passes into the final third (15.46 vs 11.92) per 90 minutes of action.

If the Catalan can get somewhere close to those levels again, the future may be bright for him in SW6. 

Doubters

While there are positive signs, Cucurella still has plenty to do to win over his critics. 

Blues legend Frank Leboeuf was particularly scathing when asked for his opinion.

He said: "With all due respect for the man, he is not good enough for Chelsea. It's as simple as that.

"It's crazy they signed him for £60m — but we can see he does not belong to that level."

Amid widespread scepticism, Cucurella could now have an opportunity to silence the doubters. 

And there are few better places to make a statement than the Cottage in a West London derby.