Genius Pochettino tactic has resurrected Chelsea flop's career

James Shearman

• Updated: 5 May 2024 18:49 BST
• 3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino's latest tactical change has saved Marc Cucurella's Chelsea career.

Cucurella signed for The Blues in the summer of 2021 for a staggering £60 million fee.

The Spaniard had only spent one season at Brighton before making the move, but he did win the Seagulls' Player of the Season award.

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours

Plus, the Blues had to pay a premium in order to beat Manchester City to his signature.

City manager Pep Guardiola was reportedly keen to make Cucurella the long-term solution for the left-back position.

However, it looked like Chelsea had wasted money on the 25-year-old until the last few games under Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino's genius tactic

Cucurella has struggled under Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Pochettino in a number of roles.

While typically occupying a traditional left-back position, Cucurella had also been asked to play as a wing-back and as a wide centre-back at Stamford Bridge.

But the former Barcelona had never looked comfortable until Pochettino recently employed him as an inverted wing-back.

In the wins over Tottenham and West Ham, Cucurella moved into midfield, alongside Moises Caicedo, in possession.

This has drastically improved Chelsea's build-up play as Caicedo and Cucurella's double pivot allows for far more control.

The Ecuadorian had often been isolated throughout the season, but having Cucurella next to him has made his life so much easier.

The pair now have the option to play a simple 10 yard ball to the other if there is no option for a more progressive pass, reducing the risk of being dispossessed.

The 3-2-2-3 formation also allows Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer to take up advanced positions in between the lines, knowing that there is a solid base behind them.