Former England full-back Micah Richards has labelled Marc Cucurella the 'most underrated left-back' in world football ahead of Spain's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium. The two European giants face off in Los Angeles on Friday night, with tournament favourites France awaiting the winner in the semi-finals.
Cucurella's Stellar World Cup Campaign
Spain began the World Cup with an embarrassing goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde but have bounced back impressively, most recently defeating Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Much praise goes to their remarkable defence, which has yet to concede a single goal. Cucurella, who completed a £52million transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid during the tournament, has played every minute of Spain's campaign. The 27-year-old has recorded two assists, more than any other Spanish player, alongside five clean sheets.
Richards and Shearer Praise Cucurella
'Cucurella is probably the most underrated left-back in world football,' Richards said on the Rest is Football podcast. 'He always delivers. Whether it's defensively, you always think you've got past him and then he gets a leg or a tackle in, he reads it. And going forward, he just gives them a different dimension with Alex Baena on that left-hand side. I just think he's been brilliant.'
Richards acknowledged past controversy: 'There's all that talk about how he disrespected Chelsea. I didn't like that, talking about other clubs when they're paying your wages. But he's at Madrid now, I don't know if that's given him a new confidence.'
Former England captain Alan Shearer added: 'Cucurella is one of those players where if he's on the opposition, you as a fan just don't like him. Just his style and his aggression. But if he's on your team, you would love him!'
Chelsea Departure and Spain's Prospects
Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton in a deal worth up to £63m in 2022. After a shaky start, he established himself as one of the Premier League's best left-backs, winning the Club World Cup and Conference League last year. He had 'no hesitation' to leave when Real Madrid came calling, a decision that left Chelsea captain Reece James 'devastated'.
Spain are well-fancied to advance to the semi-finals but face a Belgium team that has scored 13 goals, with only France and Argentina netting more. Richards believes Cucurella and right-back Pedro Porro can handle Belgium's attackers, including Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku. 'It's going to be difficult for Belgium,' Richards said. 'You can't forget Charles De Ketelaere, he can cause problems. But I just think Spain are going to push them back way too far.'
