Mark Cucurella, who was recruited by Chelsea FC last summer, was on the cutting board with his worst performance against Manchester City (Man City).
Chelsea, led by coach Graham Potter, lost 0-1 against Man City in the 19th round of the 2022-2023 English Premier League (EPL) held at Stamford Bridge in London, England on the 6th (Korean time).
Chelsea held on well for 63 minutes against Manchester City, who are considered to be one level above, but eventually conceded토토사이트. Jack Grealish’s low cross from the left led to Riyad Mahrez, who was penetrating from the other side, and allowed a goal in the 18th minute of the second half.
Cucurela and Kepa Arrizabalaga were criticized during the conceding process. Cucurella couldn’t stop Mahrez’s penetration, and Arizabala was able to handle the low cross well enough for the goalkeeper.
England’s Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher said: “Cucurella was unlikable throughout the second half. Considering the price tag, not wanting to defend is actually worse. He seemed unwilling to stop opponents in one-on-one situations.”
According to stats firm Potmob, Cucurella made just one successful tackle against Manchester City, blocking and clearing just one. There were also two interceptions.
Carragher noted, “When you see defenders diving all the time and allowing Cucurella to keep punching him, it’s as if he doesn’t have the heart to defend. He has to get low, twist and turn to make his legs burn.”
Cucurella started out as a youth player at FC Barcelona and made his professional debut with the senior team, then played for Getafe and Brighton & Hove Albion. He wore a Chelsea uniform for a huge sum of £60 million (approximately 94 billion won) in the summer of 2022, but has yet to make a clear impression.