How Cucurella could affect FPL
We take a look at Cucurella and his potential affect on FPL. Looking at the positions he can play in as well as the positions Chelsea may need him to play in. In addition what the new signing could mean for Chelsea and their FPL assets moving forward.
Cucurella has now officially signed for Chelsea. After what looked like a last minute buy for the blues the defender was seemingly needed as a matter or urgency. FPL managers will benefit from knowing how he will fit in at Chelsea at the back and if the impact will be positive or negative to other FPL assets.
Cucurella done
As you can see below the Spanish left-back has now officially signed for Chelsea. He comes in for a fee of £55m plus £7m add-ons. We can also see young left centre-back (LCB) Colwill also moved over to Brighton as part of the deal. This also has further impacts on Cucurella’s future positioning.
Cucurella in Spain
Cucurella switched between Barcelona and Getafe in his early years in Spain. As you can see from his positioning below Cucurella resided predominantly on the left side of the Getafe attack. Although taking up an attacking position for Getafe his numbers were far from where many would like in an attacking position.
The left midfielder only managed one goal and five assists in a season that was his personal best from an attacking point of view.
Brighton
After his 18m Euro move to Premier League side Brighton Cucurella became even more noticed in terms of his ability. Cucurella was used in a back three system and although predominantly a left wing-back he again failed to show attacking numbers that would standout.
From 35 appearances the Spanish defender only returned one goal and one assist.
Left centre-back
Although Cucurella played most of his minutes at left wing-back he also featured as part of the central defence in left centre-back. Take a look at his performance below against Chelsea in that position.
Chelsea
The situation at Chelsea looked dire before signing Cucurella. With a lack of options in central defence Chelsea had to act fast. With defenders Thiago Silva, Koulibaly and Azpilicueta the only standout options at the back keeping a back three system looked a tough task for manager Tuchel.
Although Chalobah played some games last season, hes still young and learning. Veterans Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva would have been assumingly pushed well over their limits in terms of stamina and the ability to play most matches.
This meant that Chelsea needed a player with the versatility to play at the back. Not just LCB though. With LWB Chilwell returning from a long injury and Alonso reportedly on his way out there was also room for a a back up LWB.
How could Cucurella fit into the team?
Taking the above into account it is highly likely Cucurella is used predominantly in a back three at LCB. With Chilwell returning to fitness and posting fantastic attacking numbers when he does play the Spanish defender may struggle to start in LWB.
Chelsea v Everton
Chillwell came off around the 65th minute which was a sign Tuchel wants to slow him back from his injury. This made way for Cucurella who spent the remaining part of the match in LWB. After nearly providing an assist he impressed.
Long term positioning
Many Chelsea fans believe we could see a long term back five of Chilwell (LWB), Cucurella (LCB), Thiago Silva (CB), Koulibaly (RCB) and Reece James (RWB). If this comes to be the case then Cucurella could spend most of his minutes for Chelsea at LCB.
What could this mean in FPL?
At £5m Cucurella comes in at an attractive price. The issue is his game time may not be consistent along with his position. With the likes of Azpilicueta and Chalobah to also cover at the back we could see a lot of rotation for the Spanish defender.
Although focus specifically comes away from Cucurella as an FPL option it could mean the Chelsea backline as a whole are more investable. With the signing of Cucurella it gives Chelsea more defensive stability. Not just this but also gives Chelsea more room to keep their defenders fresh with rotation.
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