Media criticism is pouring down on Cucurella!
Marc Cucurella has managed to secure a starting spot in eight matches for Real Madrid since the beginning of the season under José Mourinho.
In June, Cucurella completed a £47.3million switch from Chelsea to Real Madrid, signing a six-year contract that could rise by a further £4.3million through add-ons.
At the time, the World Cup winner looked like an ideal solution at left-back thanks to his extensive top-level experience. Eight matches into his Real Madrid spell, however, opinions remain divided. He has yet to score or set up a goal, and his defensive performances have lacked consistency.
Spanish media criticizes Marc Cucuella
The Spanish media has been commenting extensively on Cucurella's performance under Mourinho, amidst a wave of criticism following two La Liga losses—contrasted with five league victories and a Champions League win against Inter Milan.
Sports Illustrated handed Cucurella a 6.8/10 score, noting: "A mixed outing against Simeone. Desperate for help at times, but Vinícius Júnior was uninterested. Easily bested by the Argentine in the build-up to the hosts' second goal."
Mundo Deportivo labelled his showing as that of a "stranger," before adding: "The full-back was completely unrecognisable in the derby. Weak defensively and ineffective in attack."
AS, meanwhile, wrote: "Giuliano caused him huge problems. Even for a Cucurella accustomed to these kinds of battles. This time, though, he finally cracked.
"He held up in the first half, but the punishment came after the break. He arrived a little late on the play that led to the penalty, and Kang-In and Giuliano combined to beat him on the move that made it 2-0. It simply wasn't his day, and it was the worst possible day for that to happen.
"That said, he was left alone to deal with the danger."