Marc Cucurella has received high praise from Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney after producing one of his best-ever displays in a Chelsea shirt during their impressive 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona.
Chelsea dominated from start to finish at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, overpowering the visitors with intensity, aggression and confidence. Goals from Pedro Neto, Estevão, and Liam Delap sealed the result, but it was the team’s collective discipline and hunger that drew widespread admiration.
Cucurella Outshines Yamal in Key Duel
Much of the pre-match focus centred on the battle between two of football’s brightest young stars: Chelsea’s Estevão and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Yet instead of Yamal making headlines, it was Cucurella who stole the spotlight with a phenomenal defensive display.
Rooney: “Cucurella Was Incredible”
Speaking on Amazon Prime after the match, Rooney was full of admiration for the Chelsea full-back.
“Cucurella was absolutely incredible. That’s probably the best performance from a left-back I’ve seen in a long, long time,” Rooney said.
“To play like that tonight shows he’s a top player.”
Cucurella didn’t just defend—he controlled the matchup entirely. He pressed Yamal relentlessly, denied him space, and anticipated Barcelona’s attacking patterns with composure and intelligence. Every time Yamal tried to drive inside or break behind the line, Cucurella matched him step for step.
Roberto Martínez: “He Gave Yamal No Time to Think”
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez also praised Cucurella’s brilliant approach.
He explained that stopping a player like Yamal requires not only speed, but elite awareness and timing.
“How do you stop Lamine Yamal? Cucurella kept showing him outside, stayed quick, and reacted instantly,” Martínez said.
“He made it clear Yamal would have no time on the ball. The intensity was incredible.”
Even when Yamal attempted fast combinations or sudden shifts in direction, Cucurella stayed composed and refused to allow the youngster any freedom.
Estevão Steals the Show in Attack
While Cucurella dominated defensively, Chelsea wonderkid Estevão made a statement of his own. The Brazilian scored a brilliant second goal, displaying speed, precision and flair that earned comparisons to Kylian Mbappé.
In a match advertised as “Estevão vs Yamal,” it was Chelsea’s teenager who delivered the decisive moment, energising the stadium as Chelsea tightened their control.
A Statement Performance From a Growing Chelsea Side
More than just a convincing victory, the performance highlighted Chelsea’s rapid improvement under Enzo Maresca. The team looked organised and confident from the opening whistle, long before Barcelona went down to 10 men. Their pressing was coordinated, their passing was sharp, and their decision-making showed maturity beyond their years.
Cucurella’s performance symbolised the team’s progress. After facing criticism last season, he now looks revitalised—playing with authority, speed, and exceptional tactical awareness.
Rooney summed it up simply: Chelsea have a “serious player” on their hands.
With performances like this, both Cucurella and Chelsea’s exciting young squad are beginning to prove they can compete with — and beat — Europe’s biggest clubs.
