According to a recent print edition of Mundo Deportivo (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Chelsea are willing to launch a €30m move for Getafe wide player Marc Cucurella this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Blues have found it challenging to pursue their primary left-back target, Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell. Hence, Frank Lampard has decided to turn his attention to Cucurella, who has enjoyed an impressive season at Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Pérez (via Mundo Deportivo).
Cucurella’s Impressive Form For Getafe This Season
The 22-year-old has been a regular feature in José Bordalás’ first-team in the recently concluded La Liga campaign and has earned a lot of plaudits for his performances down the left flank. He has made 45 appearances for Getafe this term, registering one goal and six assists across all competitions. He has also picked up ten yellow cards along the way which highlight his competitive spirit on the field.
The Alella-born prospect deserves a lot of credit for his all-round contributions after he has averaged 2.0 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.5 clearances, 0.8 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the Spanish top-flight and the UEFA Europa League this season. However, he has been a bit sloppy with his ball-distribution as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 67.9% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Cucurella has also represented Spain at various youth levels but is yet to make a senior appearance for his homeland. Maybe a move to Stamford Bridge this summer could provide him with a chance to take his game to another level in the upcoming campaign so that he can stake a claim in Luis Enrique’s squad for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Will The Spanish Youngster Bring To West London?
Cucurella can use his pace and agility to make some driving runs with the ball out on the wide areas. He has also proven himself to be a decent creator of goal-scoring chances in the final third. The Spaniard is often quick to read the danger and can pull off a few crucial interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his team. However, he needs to improve his goal tally in the coming seasons if he wants to become a world-class player in his position someday.
A wide player of Cucurella’s skillset will be a welcome addition to Frank Lampard’s squad ahead of the new season. He will not only add some stability and variety to the Chelsea defence but also improve the quality of their starting XI. Furthermore, he will be a significant upgrade over Emerson Palmieri and could arguably edge out Marcos Alonso in the race to secure a regular left-back berth at Stamford Bridge next season.
All in all, it makes a lot of sense for the Blues to launch an offer to bring Cucurella to the English capital this summer as he will address one of the main problem areas in Lampard’s first-team. The Spanish playmaker could also end up helping Chelsea challenge for some major trophies if he can make a smooth transition to English football.
