Rooney Hails Cucurella After Sensational Display Against Barcelona: “Best Left-Back Performance in a Long, Long Time”
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has showered praise on Marc Cucurella following the Spaniard’s remarkable performance in Chelsea’s 3–0 Champions League victory over 10-man Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Cucurella delivered what Rooney described as a “serious player” performance, keeping Barcelona’s teenage superstar Lamine Yamal completely quiet — a task many full-backs have failed at this season.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney said the Spain international produced the best display he has seen from a left-back in years.
“Cucurella was absolutely incredible. I think it’s probably the best performance I’ve seen from a left-back for a long, long time,” Rooney said.
“To do what he did tonight, he’s a serious player.”
Chelsea’s win at Stamford Bridge pushed them up to 5th place in the Champions League standings. The Blues took the lead in the 55th minute after Jules Kounde diverted the ball into his own net. Rising star Estevao doubled the advantage with a stunning effort after dancing past Pau Cubarsi on the edge of the box, before Liam Delap came off the bench to seal the victory with a composed finish.
Rooney also credited Estevao’s influence behind the scenes, suggesting the Brazilian’s sharpness in training may have prepared Cucurella for the challenge of marking Yamal.
OPINION: Cucurella’s Redemption Arc May Finally Be Here — And He Deserves It
It’s no secret that Marc Cucurella has had a turbulent journey at Chelsea. From massive expectations to public criticism and inconsistent form, his time at Stamford Bridge has been anything but quiet.
But football is a beautiful storybook game, and on nights like this, players write their own chapters again.
Cucurella didn’t just play well—
he dominated.
He dictated.
He defended like a man with a point to prove.
To shut down a generational talent like Lamine Yamal is no small achievement. The 17-year-old has embarrassed far more experienced defenders across Europe, yet Cucurella read him like a seasoned scholar. His intensity, positioning, and decision-making were elite.
And maybe Rooney’s right: this looked like the rebirth of the Cucurella we all saw tearing Premier League attacks apart at Brighton.
If he sustains this level, Chelsea may finally get the left-back they paid for — and opponents will need to start preparing differently when they see his name on the team sheet.
For now, though, what a night.
What a performance.
And what a reminder that football careers can change in 90 minutes.
