Rio Ferdinand reveals why Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella emerged as top performer for Spain at Euro 2024
Rio Ferdinand shared his thoughts on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella's performance for Spain at Euro 2024. He said that the left-back did well because manager Luis de la Fuente utilised his strengths well.
Cucurella was a key player for La Roja, who won the Euro 2024 trophy, beating England 2-1 in the final on Sunday, July 14. He provided the assist for their winning goal scored by Mikel Oyarzabal. The left-back played six games in the tournament and performed brilliantly.
After the final on Sunday, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said about Cucurella's performances on BBC One (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“Cucurella this year was ridiculed by his own supporters at Chelsea, comes here and is arguably the best left-back in the tournament. He was played to his strengths.”
Overall, Cucurella has made 10 appearances for Spain so far.
The 25-year-old made just 26 appearances across competitions for Chelsea last season, scoring one goal and providing two assists. While he couldn't create much of an impact earlier in the season, he performed well in the latter stages as the Blues won their last five games.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella takes a dig at Gary Neville after Euro 2024 win
Manchester United legend Gary Neville had doubted Marc Cucurella's ability and his contribution for Spain ahead of Euro 2024. He said that the left-back is one of the reasons why La Roja might not win, saying (via Metro):
"He’s not been convincing at Chelsea, he’s played a few games towards the end of the season, he’s aggressive, he’s tenacious, he’s a busy little full-back. That price tag still, to be fair, astounds everybody I think to this day...
"And I have to say, him [Cucurella] being at left-back probably is another example of why we think that."
However, Spain did win and Cucurella was one of their bright performers. After the game, the left-back re-posted Neville's quote on his Instagram stories, tagged the pundit and wrote:
"We went all the way Gary. Thanks for your support."
Cucurella's girlfriend Claudia Rodriguez also took a dig at Neville, posting an image of herself with Cucurella and Euro 2024 trophy with the caption:
"How was your night, @gneville2?"
Nico Williams had opened the scoring in the 47th minute for La Roja before Cole Palmer made it 1-1 in the 73rd minute. However, a counter-attack saw Spain move forward and Cucurella played a first-time low cross into the box for Mikel Oyarzabal to score the winner in the 86th minute.