https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/
tuchel-excited-by-the-new-azpi-cucurella
Tuchel excited by 'the new Azpi' Cucurella
05 Aug 22
Thomas Tuchel has explained what new signing Marc Cucurella will bring to
the Blues, comparing the defender to his fellow Spaniard Cesar
Azpilicueta.
https://i.imgur.com/YtbEN46.jpg
Cucurella completed a move from Brighton & Hove Albion following an
impressive first year in the Premier League with the Seagulls and will be
well known to Chelsea supporters after his assist for Danny Welbeck's late
equaliser against as at Stamford Bridge last season.
However, there are plenty more of the 24-year-old's attributes which have
Tuchel excited by the potential of the latest addition to his squad, both
in terms of his footballing talent and mentality, while he also sees
similarities between Cucurella and the current Blues captain.
'I'm very excited about what he can bring,' said the German. 'He's a
fantastic player, a fantastic guy.
https://i.imgur.com/BwXAs9y.jpg
Tuchel sees similarities between Cucurella and Azpilicueta
'I don't want to get too excited, but I have the feeling we signed the new
Azpilicueta, in terms of his mentality, attitude, even in terms of his
position, just with a left foot. He can play in the back three, he can
play wing-back and he is a very nice, very humble guy with his
personality.
'He is a fantastic player, a very intelligent player, who is very strong
on the ball, aggressive off the ball, mobile, hungry, with a good
attitude. So I'm very, very happy that he joins us.'
Another positive to Cucurella's arrival at Stamford Bridge is how he
bolsters Tuchel's options, with his versatility making him equally
comfortable in the back three or at wing-back on the left.
https://i.imgur.com/zLpQRNF.jpg
Cucurella in his first training session at Cobham
That also helps reduce the pressure on Ben Chilwell as he continues his
return from the injury which ruled him out for most of last season,
meaning there is no need to rush him back into the action with several
alternatives now available to our head coach.
'Ben looks better and better, but it seems he needs a little bit more time
to adapt to the rhythm and physicality. He is impatient, we will never
expect him to be fully patient. He knows everything needs its time, he
will get the time.
'It helps for Ben to escape the pressure of “I have to deliver”. Marc is
an option in this position and in the back three.'