'Special': Marc Cucurella says he now has 'huge respect' for one Arsenal player after Stamford Bridge draw

Arsenal drew with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Marc Cucurella has admitted that he has a big amount of respect for one Gunners star.

Cucurella put in a sold display at Stamford Bridge and was given the man of the match by Gary Neville live on Sky.

The Spaniard has had an excellent last six months which has seen him win the Euros and immediately become a key part of Enzo Maresca’s new-look Chelsea side.

Of course, key for Cucurella playing well today was his ability to deal with Bukayo Saka.

Saka has been instrumental for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta but did little of note and eventually went off with an injury.

However, rather than go in on Saka, Cucurella himself has spoken of his ‘huge respect’ for the Arsenal man.

Marc Cucurella praises Bukayo Saka after Chelsea and Arsenal draw

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Cucurella spoke about the battle with Arsenal winger Saka and admitted that internally, Chelsea know he’s a star.

“It was a tough game. They’ve played together with the same ideas for a long time but we played well. We need to keep going in this way, we are doing well. We need to stay in this way and push more,” Cucurella said.

“Bukayo Saka is a top player. We’ve played a lot of times against each other, there is huge respect there. It is a good battle and hopefully we can have more.

“I try to not give him space and always be close to him. We knew he is a special talent and do my work and help my team. I tried to show the best of me.”

Cucurella turnaround has been massive for Chelsea

It was only less than a year ago that Chelsea were looking to sell Cucurella and his turnaround in fortunes at the club has been impressive.

For that, you can credit Enzo Maresca but you really have to give flowers to Cucurella himself.

He has got his head down, worked hard, and seemingly cemented himself as a key figure in Maresca’s side.

Indeed, it’s now more likely that Ben Chilwell leaves the Blues and not Cucurella, such has been his form.

His words here on Saka are a show of class as well and should not be overlooked.