Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has heaped praise on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella following his standout performance in the Blues’ 3–0 victory over 10-man Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
Rooney said Cucurella’s ability to completely shut down Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal showed he is “a serious player,” adding that the Spaniard delivered one of the best left-back performances he has seen “in a long, long time.”
Chelsea climbed to 5th place in the Champions League league phase after an impressive showing at Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League side took the lead in the 55th minute through a Jules Kounde own goal, before Brazilian youngster Estevao made it 2–0 with a brilliant individual effort, skipping past Pau Cubarsi and firing into the roof of the net. Substitute Liam Delap came off the bench to seal the win with Chelsea’s third.
Speaking after the match, Rooney said Cucurella’s growth this season is evident:
“Estevao has probably given Cucurella the best lessons in training that he could have in dealing with Lamine Yamal. Cucurella was absolutely incredible. I think it’s probably the best performance I’ve seen from a left-back for a long, long time. To do that tonight, what he did, he’s a serious player.”
Chelsea will look to build on the momentum when they host Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.
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