Pochettino wants to start using Chelsea star every match after surprise performance against Arsenal
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino recently heaped praise on Marc Cucurella for his performance against Arsenal. The Argentine boss believes the Spanish defender deserves credit for his work ethic in recent months.
The Blues drew 2-2 against the Gunners in their Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The West London outfit were 2-0 up just after the second half began thanks to Cole Palmer’s penalty in the first half and Mykhailo Mudryk’s 48th-minute strike.
Chelsea then squandered their lead in the span of just seven minutes as Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard netted once each for Arsenal, splitting the points between the two sides.
Despite a disappointing draw, Cucurella put on an impressive display, keeping Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka off the scoresheet.The defender was touted with an exit this summer when his future at Stamford Bridge was uncertain, However, he remained at Chelsea, a decision Pochettino seems to approve of.Pochettino reserved special praise for the Spanish international. He said after the match (as quoted by Standard Sport):
“It’s a natural process. When we arrived here three months ago, some players were in a position where they maybe stay or maybe go. I didn’t know the past, I can only choose the players that we believe can perform. Marc and the club decide to stay in the last transfer window.”
Cucurella, a natural left-back or left center-back, has been deployed on the right flank this season in the absence of Reece James, who is battling a hamstring injury.Pochettino gave credit to the Spaniard for his versatility and added:
“He is training really well, that is why he playing like today, against a very good player like Saka. That is him, he deserves the credit because, in the last few months, he has worked hard and was able to play on the right side, yes, in this way, only what can happen is the team will be better.”
Cucurella has made three Premier League appearances and two Carabao Cup appearances for Chelsea this season.