Despite that I believe that Cucu is playing worse than his usual and needs a rest (he's been played to the ground since the European Cup won by Spain), all these stats don't show how Cucurella has had in his pocket the best right wing players in the PL. Watching a bit yesterday how Kerkez was struggling against Saka, I was remembering how Cucu kept him to a minimum in our games against Arsenal in the last couple of seasons. It's just idiotic to think that all those teams have a better LB when you see them struggling against the best RWs in the PL unlike our own Cucu.

1 hour ago, RMH said:

Despite that I believe that Cucu is playing worse than his usual and needs a rest (he's been played to the ground since the European Cup won by Spain), all these stats don't show how Cucurella has had in his pocket the best right wing players in the PL. Watching a bit yesterday how Kerkez was struggling against Saka, I was remembering how Cucu kept him to a minimum in our games against Arsenal in the last couple of seasons. It's just idiotic to think that all those teams have a better LB when you see them struggling against the best RWs in the PL unlike our own Cucu.

Some fans overreact based on one incident. If there is anything as Chelsea fans we should be aware of in the last few years is the grass is not always greener.

Loads of fans on here wanted Kerkez last transfer window, he now looks like a deer in headlights. I still think he will come good but saying this or that player is better that a LB who dominated with Spain the euros and provided the assist for the winning goal is laughable.

He shuts down all the wingers he comes up against and I know they hate playing against him

Very reactionary takes.

Yes he should have done better but I can assure you virtually every team in the world would love to have Cucu as their left back.

5 hours ago, Remodez said:

Very reactionary takes.

Yes he should have done better but I can assure you virtually every team in the world would love to have Cucu as their left back.

There is a reason he’s booed by every opposition fan base

I agree on the overreaction, and perhaps fell in that camp. But also removing sentiment and just looking at form, his level has dropped. Of course he can get that back, and he's as good as anyone in shutting down a strong winger. But, this is a time for Hato to grow into the team and give people something to think about.

10 hours ago, dansubrosa said:

Stop with this nonsense about other teams having 2 better left backs than Cucurella.

Cucurella is one of the best left backs around and this stupid red card isn’t going to change my mind on that. It was a brain dead moment and he let the team down badly, but that doesn’t instantly make him a rubbish left back.

I’m perfectly happy with him and Hato as left back options.

I'd argue City have 3 better.

Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri and O'Reilly.

13 hours ago, GarnachoCheese said:

I'd argue City have 3 better.

Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri and O'Reilly.

Tosh.

1 hour ago, dermott said:

Tosh.

I spent all summer saying we should have signed him.

9 hours ago, GarnachoCheese said:

I spent all summer saying we should have signed him.

This season? Averaging roughly 6.5

18 minutes ago, dermott said:

This season? Averaging roughly 6.5

Injuries are a bastard, luckily they’re temporary

I respect Cucu's work rate and tenacity but i don't think it will be long until Hato is the starting LB.

The purple patch was good while it lasted but a player can't get over physical limitations.

Definitely needs a run of games out of the side.

He’s played a hell of a lot of football so has the excuse but his performances have really dipped and Hato hasn’t been a downgrade when he’s stepped in.

Its Hato time baaaaaaby

Pitch-side mic picked up him bellowing something presumably unpleasant at a Napoli guy who dived.

5 minutes ago, dermott said:

Pitch-side mic picked up him bellowing something presumably unpleasant at a Napoli guy who dived.

WAHNKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just now, Sconnie Blue said:

WAHNKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Commendable command of Spanish.

Agree he needs a little rest and Hato should be given more playing time.

Maybe Hato will start against West Ham, saving Cucu for Arsenal. God we're playing a lot of football, which makes it even more important we won and secured top 8 last night

6 minutes ago, Shweaves said:

Maybe Hato will start against West Ham, saving Cucu for Arsenal. God we're playing a lot of football, which makes it even more important we won and secured top 8 last night

I'm not sure why the likes of Hato or Esteavao were bought if they can't come in and play these games.

In Cucu we believe. He’s still ahead of Hato, and he’s not having his best season. I hoped that Hato could give Cucu some time on the bench, as he needs some rest, but he’s not better than our mad Spaniard.

I’m glad Rosenior has moved largely away from the inverted full back nonsense and letting them overlap and attack more like a traditional full back.

I do worry that with this being the case we’ll need an upgrade at LB at some point.

NO CHANCE

Atletico Madrid preparing Marc Cucurella offer

According to reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid are now planning an offer to sign Cucurella worth around €55m (£48m) this summer. The left-back has become one of Chelsea's most reliable players, but the Blues could still reportedly be tempted into selling the Spaniard for the right price.

Whether £48m is that price is now the big question. At 27 years old, Cucurella is at the peak of his powers and that should not be ignored when Chelsea make their decision.

If we can get 60M we should consider it.

It will be interesting to see what BlueCo do here.

Cucurella must be pretty much at his peak value as it stands, plus he's one of our higher earners. From what we know of their "model", this must be a no brainer for them to sell, if the interest is genuine.

And exactly who to replace him?