“Don’t be stupid to sell him Enzo” “He’s a Gem” – Man City star Rodri ‘shocked’ by what Chelsea star did at Euro 2024
Rodri acknowledges that during Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign, he was taken aback by Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s caliber.
Spain is getting ready for their Euro 2024 quarterfinal matchup against tournament hosts Germany this Friday after crushing Georgia 4-1 in the last-16 stage.
Cucurella, on the other hand, has had difficulty establishing himself at Chelsea since joining from Brighton in an August 2022 deal that cost £62 million.
But the 25-year-old has made a name for himself as Spain’s starting left-back at Euro 2024, and Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City, admits he did not anticipate the Chelsea defender to put on such outstanding displays.
When asked which player has surprised him in the Spanish squad, Rodri told El Partidazo de Cope: ‘I know them all but… the level that Cucurella is showing.
‘I already knew him but the level he is showing in a context like this in a Euro Cup… he is helping us a lot, especially defensively, the character he has.
‘I am loving it and I hope he continues at this level.’
Rodri also believes there are major differences between the current Spain squad and the one that was knocked out by Morocco at the last-16 stage of the 2022 World Cup.
‘We see a more vertical Spain, much more forceful and clear in the areas,’ Rodri said.
‘Now there are very complicated matches coming where maturity will be needed.
‘Now I do think that the really decisive matches are coming. I think we have to take a step forward. That is where we will be tested.
‘What we have done is very good, but honestly it is worthless [if Spain are eliminated].
Rodri also explained the key differences between Spain and the Manchester City side that secured their fourth Premier League title in a row last season.
‘To start with, teams are not only built by the coach but by the individual quality that the player brings,’ Rodri explained.
‘From there, it’s similar but I’m part of it and many mechanisms are different. The idea of being the protagonist and pressing up front, yes. But the four wingers we have have a lot of quality one on one, we have midfielders with more physical presence alternating with other midfielders with more individual quality.
‘In the end we have a very important alternation that makes our team difficult to decipher.’
Enzo Maresca should think well before selling Cucurella, he’s one of the best Chelsea player last season and his good form continues at the ongoing Euro 2024.