Cucurella has shaken off the Blues at Chelsea

Marc Cucurella is rebuilding a Chelsea career that looked to be over. 

The Spaniard came close to joining Manchester United on loan during the summer transfer window. 

Instead he remained at Stamford Bridge and injuries to defenders have presented him with a chance to prove his worth to new manager Mauricio Pochettino. 

Ahead of Chelsea's trip to Newcastle on Saturday, we take a look at Cucurella's resurgence. 

Emergency right-back

Cucurella was the poster boy for the reckless spending that took place in the early days of Todd Boehly's leadership at Chelsea. 

Despite only having one season in the Premier League at Brighton and a solitary cap for Spain, the Londoners agreed to a deal worth £62million for the left-back in the summer of 2022. 

The huge fee seemed to weigh heavily on Cucurella, who struggled in a debut season that saw him play under three different managers. 

Chelsea were willing to let him join Manchester United on loan in August but ultimately a deal could not be agreed. 

Though he did not start the new season in Pochettino's plans, injuries to other full-backs have given him the chance to prove his worth. 

The absence of captain Reece James saw the 25-year-old drafted in as an emergency right-back. 

And his solid efforts there mean he has stayed in the team as a left-back in the absence of Ben Chilwell.

Poch praise

Pochettino spoke about Cucurella's situation in October after he impressed as a right-back in the Carabao Cup win over Brighton. 

He said: "After the transfer window closed, we were talking in my office and we were very clear about how I see him and how I assess him. 

"I listened to his feelings. Now it's about working really hard and waiting for the opportunity. 

"The situation is clear. He is in our plans and if he deserves to play, he will play. 

"It was a difficult time for him when he arrived from Brighton, a tough situation not only for him but for many players, and that is why we need to give him confidence and trust him. 

"He was really good against Brighton on Wednesday playing on the right side. He is doing so well. 

"I am so happy with his performance and commitment. That is what we expect from our players." 

Versatile option

Pochettino and his staff had a big impact on full-backs during their time at Tottenham, with the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose all taking major strides in their careers. 

It was therefore puzzling to see Chelsea willing to write off Cucurella so early, especially since they made such a big investment to secure his services. 

Circumstances have presented the 5ft 8in defender with a fresh opportunity to prove himself and he has taken it. 

Being able to play on both sides of a back four and also as a third centre-back makes him a versatile option for Pochettino. 

This is particularly true considering the fitness records of James and Chilwell, with neither full-back ever being far away from an injury absence over recent seasons. 

It is too early to make a call on Cucurella's long-term future at Chelsea but, for this campaign at least, he looks set to continue to make a contribution.