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The Importance of Marc Cucurella in Spain’s Euro Squad

June 16, 2024
Player Analysis, Euro 2024

After moving to Chelsea, Marc Cucurella endured a difficult few seasons. However, in the tail-end of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, the Spaniard found his form after Mauricio Pochettino re-invented him as an inverted fullback.

 

The momentum Cucurella gathered propelled him to earn a national team call-up for the Euros, and he was named on the team sheet in the very first match against Croatia, where they won 3-0. Right before the match, Gary Neville surprisingly passed some dubious comments about Cucurella’s inclusion that raised many eyebrows. 

 

“Cucurella being at left-back probably is an example of why we think Spain won’t go all the way.  He’s not been convincing at Chelsea, he’s played a few games towards the end of the season. That price tag still astounds everybody still to this day.”

 

The confusing take on Cucurella was attested inaccurate, having performed commendably on the evening. Both from a defensive and offensive perspective, the Chelsea left-back proved to be a well-rounded asset for Spain this Euros.

 

 

The article will analyze Cucurella’s tactical significance for his country this summer.

 

Creating Overloads and Providing Fluidity

 

Spain’s impressive attacking performance, underscored by the three goals, because of the team’s adeptness in finding and creating space. Although Cucurella did not initially position in the frontline of five, he assisted in generating overloads on the wing after venturing forward in hand-picked moments.

 

He would do so by originally positioning deeper, with Nico Williams, the left-winger, stationed narrowly to drag the fullback into the half-space. This would open space on the wing. If a midfielder or the opposite fullback switched play to Cucurella, who would advance to the vacant channel, it would cause a 2v1 overload for Spain to exploit. If an opposition player followed the Chelsea left-back, it would still cause a 2v2 situation that can prove fruitful.

 

Luis de la Fuente Castillo also utilized Cucurella to join the attack through rotations. Specifically, when Fabián Ruiz dropped deeper in central midfield with Rodri, Cucurella would progress into the left half-space or wing, depending on Williams’ movement – thereby completing Spain’s frontline of five.

 

Nico Williams’ Breakout Season at Athletic Club

 

What was most impressive about Cucurella’s offensive showing was the different movements he would execute while timing them perfectly. Moving forward, especially after the group-stage matches, it could materialize to be a vital tactic, providing Spain with much offensive success.

 

Defensive Unit

 

Cucurella’s passionate approach to defending has its drawbacks, as he can be prone to misjudgments, but is generally a positive for the team. That was showcased against Croatia as he won all tackles, blocks, and aerial duels while recording a 75% success rate in ground duels.

 

His flying block to prevent Josip Stanišić from opening Croatia’s account was the climax of his shining defensive performance. But that was just one of the many moments throughout the game where he exuded class and confidence.

 

 

The Well-Rounded Defender

 

Cucurella is a complete fullback who is uncompromised on either part of his game. Despite losing his way over the past years, the rejuvenated left-back has found his feet and is delivering on the big stage.

 

For Spain, it means that they possess a well-polished player who provides flexibility and assurance on their left flank. Despite the unfound criticism that may still come his way, Cucurella will keep his head down and blossom into one of the most important cogs in the Spanish machine this Euro. 

 

By: Fahd Ahmed / @fahdahmed987

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Octavio Passos – Getty Images

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