“At Bournemouth, his average position was higher than the midfielders” - Martin Keown says 26-year-old Chelsea star has quickly become ‘vital’

Pundit Martin Keown has explained how Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has become a key member of the squad under new manager Enzo Maresca. The former Premier League defender cited the Spaniard's advanced position in the Blues' 1-0 win over Bournemouth as an example of his impact on the game.

He said (via the Daily Mail):

“Marc Cucurella plays a vital role, acting as the inverted left back, moving into midfield as an extra option. At Bournemouth, he was so advanced that his average position was higher than the midfielders."

Cucurella endured a difficult start to his Chelsea career after moving from Brighton for over £60 million in the summer of 2022. However, towards the end of the 2023-24 campaign, he picked up form, impressing as the London side finished the season strongly.

He carried his impressive outings into the 2024 Euros for Spain, playing a vital role at the left-back position as La Roja went on to lift the trophy.

In Enzo Maresca's system where one of the full-backs inverts into the midfield, Cucurella has shown that he has the technical ability and composure to play in that role. While Chelsea haven't been perfect defensively, they are beginning to find form in that regard, putting together a string of three consecutive clean sheets.

Enzo Maresca expresses excitement as Chelsea star makes return to matchday squad

Lavia has completed his comeback from injury.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that he is ready to unleash Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia. The 20-year-old has been named on the bench for the side's clash against Brighton on Saturday (September 28) after missing the previous month of action with an injury.

Speaking ahead of the game, Maresca said (via the Daily Mirror):

“Romeo is available for tomorrow… We have one more session now and then we decide. The important thing is that finally he’s back.

“I’m very excited thinking that soon we can have both Moi and Romeo fit 100% because I think both together playing that position they can give us a lot.

“They can compete and they can play together for sure.”

Lavia featured in the Blues' 2-0 loss to Manchester City on the opening weekend but has failed to make an appearance in the Premier League since. The side have taken a cautionary approach to his return.

He missed almost the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign, notching just 32 minutes of game time while suffering from a hamstring injury. Chelsea signed him for over €60 million last summer, fighting off competition from Liverpool.