Troy Deeney admits Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has proven him wrong since arriving at Stamford Bridge – but says he still has massive doubts over goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea spent £60m to sign Spanish full-back Cucurella from Brighton in the summer of 2022.
Eyebrows were raised when Chelsea brought him to west London as it was difficult to see where he would fit in given the presence of England international Ben Chilwell.
But Cucurella has taken advantage of Chilwell’s injury issues to establish himself as Chelsea’s first-choice left-back, featuring in 12 of the club’s 13 Premier League games this season.
Cucurella’s form has ‘surprised’ former Premier League striker Deeney, who admits he was unsure why Chelsea decided to sign the player back in 2022.
After naming Cucurella in his Premier League Team of the Week for BBC Sport, Deeney said: ‘He has surprised me.
‘I didn’t think he was going to be that good. I also thought: Why did Chelsea buy him when they had Ben Chilwell?
‘But clearly they know more than me and they showed what they can do. He’s doing really well.’
Deeney named two other Chelsea players in his Team of the Week, with goalkeeper Sanchez and midfielder Enzo Fernandez praised for their performances in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
The Watford legend said Sanchez deserved ‘some credit’ for his display against Villa but reiterated his belief that the Spanish shot-stopper is not good enough to be Chelsea’s No. 1.
‘I have criticised Sanchez on multiple podcasts, radio shows and Match of the Day because I think he is the reason that they are going to ultimately end up missing out on the top four,’ Deeney said.
‘For the first time in a long time, he got a clean sheet – so you have to give him some credit and say well done to him.’
Argentine World Cup winner Fernandez endured a slow start to his Chelsea career following a stunning £107m move from Benfica.
But the 23-year-old was on the scoresheet yet again against Aston Villa, making it seven goal contributions in four matches.
‘After a slow start to the season and a difficult summer, with his comments and things of that nature, he looks like he is coming out of it the other side now,’ Deeney added.
‘Taking the armband off him made him sit and wait, and relaxed him. Now we’re seeing a team developing and he’s starting to develop with it, so I thought I would give him some credit. Obviously the goal helps.’
Chelsea are third in the Premier League table – level on points with second-placed Arsenal – ahead of Wednesday’s trip to St Mary’s to face Southampton.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Ruben Amorim told to be ‘ruthless’ and sell three Man Utd stars
MORE: Pep Guardiola reveals Ederson response after being dropped for Manchester City defeat to Liverpool
MORE: What Fabian Hurzeler has said about Kaoru Mitoma injury ahead of Fulham vs Brighton
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
