The international break has come at the right time for Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s side needing a break to end their recent poor run in the Premier League as of late.
The Blues have lost three of the last five league outings, with their most recent coming at the weekend against Arsenal at the Emirates, with Mikel Merino’s goal the difference between the sides.
However, Maresca’s men still occupy a place in the top four with just nine league games remaining this season, looking to secure a Champions League place in his first campaign at the helm.
It would be a huge boost for the club after missing out on competing with Europe’s elite in the last couple of years, with their success potentially proving that the huge investment has been worthwhile.
Their spending has shown no signs of slowing down in recent months, with the Blues making yet another key addition in recent days – setting themselves up for future success.
Chelsea’s move to land Geovany Quenda
In recent days, Chelsea have made yet another addition after clinching a deal with Portuguese outfit Sporting CP for the signature of 17-year-old wide player Geovany Quenda.
The teenager, who can operate off either flank, has set the club back a fee in the region of £42.7m, taking the spending during the Todd Boehly era to over £1.3b.
However, Quenda is set to spend the 2025/26 season back on loan at the Liga Portugal outfit, before linking up with the Blues ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
He looks set to operate in wide areas, mainly off the left-hand side if recent reports are to be believed, and potentially able to feature in a wing-back role should the manager decide to utilise a back-five at Stamford Bridge.
Many must wish he was moving to West London this summer, especially after one first-team member’s display for his country on Thursday evening.
The Chelsea player who dropped a 4/10 for his country
Given the money spent over the last couple of years, it’s no surprise to see numerous players featuring for their respective nations during the international break.
Eight of Maresca’s key players were selected to represent their country, with many of them featuring in various matches across the globe last night.
Marc Cucurella started and featured for the entirety of the contest against the Netherlands in Rotterdam, but was unable to produce a performance to remember as they only managed to draw 2-2.
He received his 14th cap for his country, but it was one to forget, being run ragged by one player, which contributed to their inability to claim another victory.
The 26-year-old only managed to win four of the 12 duels he entered, whilst being dribbled past four times, including by Jeremie Frimpong, who spun the full-back, leading to the host’s second goal.
Cucurella also committed two fouls in the process, whilst only managing to complete 50% of his attempted crosses, failing to have a positive impact at either end of the pitch.
Minutes played
90
Touches
85
Duels won
4/12
Dribbled past
4x
Fouls committed
2
Crosses completed
1/2 (50%)
Dribbles completed
0
He also failed to complete any dribbles, with only two of his 62 attempted passes being key passes, unable to create any clear-cut opportunities within the final third.
As a result of his dismal showing for Spain, the left-back was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by GIVEMESPORT, showcasing how disappointing he was during the draw.
Given his disappointing outing last night, many supporters must wish that Quenda was moving to the Bridge this summer, offering another option in wide areas for Maresca.
However, Cucurella will remain the number one option for the next couple of years at least, with the Spaniard needing to return to his usual high standards ahead of the return to club action in a week’s time.
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