Chelsea’s Stars Shine at Euro 2024

This summer’s Euro 2024 has been quite eventful for Chelsea, with several of their players and ex-players making significant impacts.

Marc Cucurella’s Surprise Performance

One of the biggest surprises has been Marc Cucurella, who played a crucial role at left-back for Spain, assisting Mikel Oyarzabal’s winning goal against England in the final.

Cole Palmer’s Moment of Glory

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer also shined for England, scoring a beautiful goal that momentarily revived the nation’s hopes of winning the tournament under Gareth Southgate.

The Ones That Got Away: Marc Guehi

Chelsea has seen some of its former players excel as well, notably Marc Guehi. Sold to Crystal Palace for £20 million in 2021, Guehi was a standout at the heart of England’s defense alongside John Stones. His performances at Euro 2024 surely made Chelsea regret letting him go.

Euro 2024 Stats: Cucurella & Guehi

Marc Cucurella

Since joining Chelsea for £63 million in 2022, Cucurella had struggled to find his form. However, his performances for Spain this summer have given Chelsea fans hope. In his six appearances, the 25-year-old achieved a 90% pass completion rate and won 75% of his tackles.

Marc Guehi

Guehi, on the other hand, showcased what Chelsea is missing. He replaced Harry Maguire and looked like he had been playing for England for years, winning 24 duels across six appearances. He also provided the assist for Jude Bellingham’s spectacular bicycle kick against Slovakia in the round of 16.

Reece James: Chelsea’s Valued Asset

Despite injuries, Reece James remains a valuable player for Chelsea. The 24-year-old right-back, described as “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is valued at £34 million according to Transfermarkt. This is higher than both Cucurella (£21 million) and Guehi (£32 million).

Injury Struggles and Future Prospects

James has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 11 Premier League appearances in the 2023/24 season. However, if he can stay fit, new head coach Enzo Maresca will have a sensational talent at his disposal, crucial for Chelsea’s ambitions of returning to Champions League football.

The Cobham Academy Legacy

Chelsea’s ability to develop elite young players is evident in James’ rise from the academy to club captain. Although they’ve made some transfer market missteps, the success of homegrown talents like James highlights the club’s knack for nurturing future stars.

In conclusion, while Chelsea may regret letting some players go, the club continues to produce and develop top-tier talent. The performances of current and former Blues at Euro 2024 are a testament to the club’s enduring quality.