TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara has praised Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella for the dramatic improvement in his game over the past few years.

The Spanish international struggled massively following his transfer from Brighton in the summer of 2022, but O’Hara now believes the left-back is one of the best out there:

“I remember when Cucurella went in at Chelsea. He was terrible, and everyone was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s the worst £60m we’ve ever spent.”

“Cucurella – now you probably put him in one of the top five defenders, left-backs, in the world. He’s brilliant, so you’ve got to give players time.”

Chelsea have been proven right on more than one player

Cucurella is not the only signing that the Blues have made in recent seasons that has come good for them after a very difficult start.

Moises Caicedo was criticised heavily after a tough first twelve months following his British record £115m move to Stamford Bridge in 2023. He is now being heralded as superior to a Ballon d’Or Winner.

The squad has massive potential

While many have questioned the club’s transfer policy of only signing players who are 25 years or under, the benefits of this approach are likely to become more obvious as the seasons go on.

Although not every purchase made will end up being a success, identifying and snapping up the best young footballers in the world should hold the club in good stead for many years to come.

Whether it will lead the Blues to winning top honours like the Premier League and Champions League, it remains to be seen, but it is hoped that the Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs last campaign will be the start of a period of sustained success for the London club.

Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here