Versatile Chelsea star opens up on his ‘nice’ role change that can aid Enzo Maresca’s cause

Chelsea star Marc Cucurella gives his verdict on new Chelsea role in 2023-24

Marc Cucurella has opened up about his new position at Chelsea after being utilized as an inverted full-back under Mauricio Pochettino. This tactical shift saw the Blues play fluid football and achieve significant results under the Argentine manager.

Cucurella endured a frustrating first half to the recently concluded season, dealing with injuries and poor performances. However, he regained his footing and became an impactful player, leading to a call-up to the Spain squad ahead of Euro 2024.

Since his position switch, Cucurella has appeared as a different player, becoming more involved in the game. It will be interesting to see how the 25-year-old adapts under new head coach Enzo Maresca next season, whose system revolves around possession-based football. Maresca’s approach could further enhance Cucurella’s role and contributions on the field, potentially solidifying his place as a key player for Chelsea.

However, Cucurella has shed some light on his current new position and feels he has found his best form and is enjoying playing again. Speaking to the Chelsea website, he said:

“Changing my role has been nice. I try to do whatever I can to help the side, and if I play in more positions and it helps the team, I’m happy because I have more possibilities to play. I think first in the first part of the season, I played right back as well, and as always, I’ll try to do my best to help the team and to win the game.’’

Cucurella could indeed prove to be a different player under Enzo Maresca, who also favours inverting full-backs and will implement a more possession-based style, in contrast to the more direct approach under Pochettino. While it took Pochettino some time to utilize Cucurella as an inverted full-back effectively, the tactic eventually paid dividends, leading to fluid and dynamic performances from the Blues.

With Maresca’s emphasis on possession and tactical flexibility, Cucurella’s role could be further optimized, allowing him to leverage his skills and versatility. This adjustment could enhance Cucurella’s overall impact on the game, making him a crucial component in Chelsea’s tactical setup next season. As Cucurella adapts to Maresca’s system, we may see even more improvement and consistency in his performances.

More Chelsea News!

• Chelsea will need to find an alternative as their goalkeeping target has signed a new contract with Villareal.
• Journo says transfer-listed Blues defender is not guaranteed to leave
• Pre-season will prove to be decisive for the future of £10.93m Blues forward

The 25-year-old will also play for Spain in the European Championship, where he is expected to continue making waves for the national squad. His experience in this inverted role at Chelsea could further bolster his performances for Spain, showcasing his versatility and impact at both the club and international levels.