It is perhaps fair to say that Marc Cucurella has been one of the standout defenders in the World Cup this summer.
The new Real Madrid signing has racked up three assists and has kept a 100% clean sheet record, with the Spain team yet to concede a single goal in the tournament.
Cucurella will arrive as part of Real Madrid’s quest to find a replacement for Marcelo, something they have failed to do since the Brazilian left the club in 2022.
Real Madrid spent €153 million to find Marcelo replacement
As reported by Diario SPORT, Cucurella will be Real Madrid’s fourth attempt to replace Marcelo, following the likes of Alvaro Carreras, Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia.
Real Madrid have had a tough time trying to replace Marcelo. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
In total, Real Madrid have spent an astounding €153 million in an attempt to replace the retired Brazilian left-back.
That amount includes the €55 million Real Madrid will pay Chelsea for the services of Cucurella.
Last summer, Los Blancos had spent as much as €50 million to sign Carreras, a move that failed miserably as the former Benfica star failed to live up to the expectations.
Another €48 million was spent in 2019 when Mendy was initially brought in as a long-term replacement for Marcelo. While the Frenchman has been useful at times, he has largely struggled with injuries.
Finally, Real Madrid had also spent €5 million to get their hands on Fran Garcia, who has been average at best.
Is Cucurella the best bet?
Cucurella has been exceptional at the World Cup. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Everything suggests Cucurella could come the closest to replacing Marcelo at Real Madrid, as evidenced by his performances in the Spanish national team in this World Cup.
The former Barcelona academy player has been consistent in the Premier League as well, racking up seven goals and 12 assists during his time at Chelsea and Brighton.
The Spaniard, therefore, certainly has the experience and the quality to succeed at the Bernabeu. But whether or not that same old left-back curse at Real Madrid will come to haunt him remains to be seen.
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