Aksel Kryhlmand
Chelsea’s roster now lacks a clear deputy
Marc Cucurella’s resurgence at Chelsea has seen him become an essential figure under Enzo Maresca, but the lack of depth behind him poses a growing concern as the Blues look to avoid repeating past transfer missteps.
Cucurella’s Rising Importance at Chelsea
Since the end of the Premier League season, Cucurella has logged more than 500 minutes of action across domestic and international competitions, including the UEFA Nations League final and recent Club World Cup fixtures. His continued presence underscores both his growing importance and the absence of viable alternatives in the squad.
Versatility Making Him Undroppable
Originally brought in from Brighton for £62 million, Cucurella struggled early in his Chelsea career. However, a strong turnaround in 2024 has made him a tactical lynchpin for Maresca. The Spaniard’s versatility allows him to operate as a left-back, inverted midfielder, or even further forward, often exploited for his attacking instincts and timing in the box. His five league goals between December and May, along with a Conference League quarter-final strike, highlight his growing influence.
Lack of Backup Raises Injury Concerns
Despite his transformation, Chelsea have taken a major gamble by failing to reinforce the left side of defense. Renato Veiga, who occasionally filled in, departed in January to pursue a role at centre-back. With Veiga omitted from the Club World Cup squad and likely to leave permanently, Chelsea’s roster now lacks a clear deputy for Cucurella.
Failed Experiments on the Left Flank
Levi Colwill has not been tested at left-back under Maresca despite past experiments by Mauricio Pochettino. Alternatives like Reece James and Malo Gusto have been tried on the opposite flank but with limited success. Gusto, in particular, has endured a drop in form, notably struggling during the Conference League final and against Flamengo.
The situation has forced Cucurella to play every minute of Chelsea’s group matches at the Club World Cup. Academy talent Ishe Samuels-Smith was expected to travel but was ultimately excluded from the final 28-man squad. The 17-year-old, who signed from Everton in 2023, is still viewed as a long-term prospect rather than an immediate solution.
Overreliance on Cucurella Becoming a Risk
Cucurella’s workload continues to grow. With 34 appearances for club and country in the first half of 2025 alone, the risk of burnout or injury looms large. Chelsea are operating without a safety net and may be forced into the transfer market to avoid a repeat of their costly Cucurella signing situation.
Chelsea Eyeing Hato as Potential Reinforcement
One potential target is Ajax’s Jorrel Hato. The 19-year-old, who can operate both at centre-back and full-back, is seen as a versatile option with significant senior experience already. However, Chelsea have not yet made a formal move.
If the club intends to protect their investment in Cucurella and ensure squad stability, addressing the glaring void at left-back must become a priority in the summer window.