Cucurella Hails Nigerian Forward Christantus Uche, Labels Him One of La Liga’s Best

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has showered praise on Nigerian forward Christantus Uche, describing him as one of the best players in La Liga before his move to the Premier League.

Uche, who left Spanish side Getafe to join Crystal Palace on loan on transfer deadline day, has been tipped for success in England.

Speaking with AS, Cucurella, who once played for Getafe, used Uche’s transfer as an example of the widening financial gap between the Premier League and La Liga.

“The distribution of money in England is evener. For example, the teams that get promoted get a lot of money, and in the end, that allows all teams to sign great players, and that evens out the league,” Cucurella said.

“That is why every game in the Premier League is a battle. Sunderland, who just got promoted, has invested two hundred million in players, and Crystal Palace has signed two of the best in La Liga, Yeremy and Uche. That is something they should fix, because La Liga is falling behind the Premier League, and that is driving players to England to play.”

Opinion: Uche’s Move Symbolizes a Bigger Shift

Christantus Uche’s transfer is more than just a loan move; it is a statement about how the Premier League has positioned itself as the center of global football power. Cucurella’s remarks underline a reality fans and analysts have been noticing for years: La Liga is losing its brightest talents to England, not just because of prestige, but because of finances.

For Nigerian fans, Uche’s rise is also a proud moment. To be singled out by a top defender like Cucurella as one of the best in La Liga is no small feat. It shows how much respect the 22-year-old forward commands already, and why Palace were eager to secure his signature.

But on a broader scale, Uche’s move highlights football’s changing economy. While Spain once boasted unrivaled dominance with stars like Messi, Ronaldo, Xavi, and Iniesta, today the Premier League’s financial muscle and competitive balance have made it the ultimate destination for top talent.

If La Liga fails to address this imbalance, more stars like Uche will continue to cross the waters — and fans of Spanish football may be left with nostalgia rather than star power.