Marc Cucurella put in a great performance for Spain’s national team in a 4-1 win over Croatia, and his coach had no trouble saying so. Luis de la Fuente told reporters via AS that the Real Madrid defender is “sensational.” The praise comes at a moment when Cucurella’s club form has cooled. He arrived from Chelsea as a big-money signing with high expectations, but cracks have appeared in recent Real Madrid matches. His start to the season was decent, but he has been far from his best.
De La Fuente’s Words
De La Fuente spoke to reporters via AS after Spain’s win over Croatia. He compared Cucurella’s case to that of several other players who perform better for their country than for their club. “He is sensational,” the manager began. He then noted a pattern across the squad. “With us, something happens that we see with many players,” he said. “Some sometimes show a level far superior to what they show at their club.”
Why the Manager Thinks It Happens
De La Fuente offered a reason for the difference. “Perhaps because they feel very comfortable here, because our style suits them perfectly,” he said. It is a thin explanation, but it is the one he gave.
Cucurella’s Club Struggles
Cucurella has been splendid in all his recent appearances for Spain. He arrived amid shouts as one of the best left-backs in the world, and he continues to show the same level on national team duty. For Real Madrid, however, the picture looks different. Since his big-money move in the summer, he has largely looked overwhelmed and defensively unreliable.
The Madrid Derby Disaster
One game stands out. His performance in the Madrid derby was disastrous, and Atletico Madrid made the wing their own for the better part of the night. That result came at a bad time. Alvaro Carreras has delivered solidly in his limited minutes for Real Madrid, meaning the pressure is seriously on Cucurella to step up and begin delivering.
The Comfortable Style Theory
De La Fuente’s reasoning is straightforward. Players feel more comfortable at the national team because the style suits them perfectly. It is a thin explanation, but it is the one he gave.
The Pressure Mounts
Cucurella has a lot to prove at Real Madrid. The comparison between his club form and his international form is stark, and the manager’s words will not change that overnight. The question now is whether Cucurella can replicate his national team level for Madrid. De La Fuente’s words will not solve that problem on their own.
Key Facts Box
- Marc Cucurella moved from Chelsea to Real Madrid in the summer
- The transfer drew massive expectations, especially after Madrid spent big on Alvaro Carreras one year earlier
- Cucurella’s start to the season was decent but has cooled recently
- His performance against Croatia was described by De La Fuente as “sensational”
- De La Fuente noted that many players show a level far superior to what they show at their club when they join the national team
- Alvaro Carreras has delivered solidly in his limited minutes for Real Madrid
The manager’s explanation for why players improve at the national team is simple enough to land as a joke rather than insight. Players feel more comfortable here, because our style suits them perfectly. That is the full extent of it.
Source material: “Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Real Madrid defender: ‘He is sensational’,” Yahoo Sports.
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