Chelsea Star Who Rose Through La Masia Ranks Delivers Bold Take on Marcus Rashford's Potential Move

Marc Cucurella possesses extensive experience playing alongside Marcus Rashford and understands precisely what the forward can contribute in his fresh chapter with Barcelona.

The Chelsea defender is currently taking a break following his Club World Cup triumph with the London club. In a conversation with Jijantes at Campus Marc Cucurella in Barcelona, he was questioned about his thoughts on Barça's latest signing.

"Excellent, excellent. I rate him [Rashford] highly," Cucurella stated. "From a physical standpoint, I believe he'll excel in La Liga. He possesses tremendous speed and the tempo between leagues varies significantly. He's accustomed to constant competition there [Premier League], he's adapted to it."

"In this league [La Liga], I believe he'll find the intensity somewhat lower than what he's used to [Premier League], so I expect he can make a substantial impact."

Cucurella emerged from Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy. Despite never featuring for the Catalan giants, he spent three campaigns in La Liga representing Eibar and Getafe before transitioning to the Premier League with Brighton.

Rashford's transfer to Barcelona has generated mixed reactions. Nevertheless, one of football's premier left-backs believes the ex-Manchester United winger possesses the qualities needed to succeed in Spain.

With both Chelsea and Barcelona competing in the Champions League next campaign, Cucurella expressed his enthusiasm about potentially facing his childhood team—though with one important condition.

"I would absolutely love it, genuinely," Cucurella confessed. "But at Stamford Bridge, competing at Montjuic [Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys] lacks appeal. [The Camp Nou] will remain under construction, that's uninspiring. I'd reject that scenario. Playing at an incomplete stadium removes all the atmosphere from the venue."