Rooney Heaps Praise on Chelsea’s Cucurella as Yamal is Contained; Arsenal Plots European Glory

Match Snapshot

Wayne Rooney, the legendary former Manchester United forward, praised Chelsea’s left-back Marc Cucurella for his performance against Lamine Yamal as Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Cucurella had joked before the match that he had asked Estevao to wear shin guards during training in anticipation of his duel with Yamal, the 18-year-old Spaniard widely hailed as the sport’s future. Rooney, speaking to Amazon Prime, described Cucurella’s display as perhaps the best warm-up you could wish for when preparing to face Yamal—"amazing in every sense of the word" and possibly the best left-back display in a long time.

Chelsea took the lead in the 27th minute through an own goal from Jules Koundé, and Ronald Araújo was sent off with a second booking just before halftime.

Roney’s praise continued in the post-match discussions, noting that Cucurella’s handling of Yamal tonight was a masterclass in patience, positioning, and discipline, with the left-back following the teenager’s runs without reckless challenges.

As the match progressed, Chelsea extended their lead with a spectacular strike from Estêvão (Etto) early in the second half, and Liam Delap added a third in the 73rd minute to seal the result. Although the headlines kept circling back to the duel between Yamal and Cucurella, the Brazilian youngster’s goal remained the standout moment of the on-pitch action.

Rooney told Prime Video that Cucurella’s performance demonstrated the kind of approach that helps teams neutralize a prodigy: close, compact, and unflustered, with the discipline to avoid needless fouls while keeping Yamal’s influence on a tight leash.

On the broader picture, the match kept Chelsea’s European campaign on track and left Barcelona facing another heavy night of questions. Chelsea’s defense was resolute, and the midfield transition play helped them absorb Barcelona’s pressure at the start of the second half before sealing the win with the late goals.

In parallel coverage, Rooney—in a separate interview—also discussed Arsenal’s prospects in Europe. He argued they possess a genuine chance to lift the Champions League this season if they maintain their current level, arguing that their squad depth, quality starters, and robust defense put them among the leading contenders. He emphasized that translating domestic form to Europe would be the key test for the Gunners this season, especially with a daunting schedule that includes a midweek clash with Bayern Munich at the Emirates and a crucial league fixture against Chelsea that follows.

Rooney’s biographical arc remains central to the piece: from streetwise beginnings in Liverpool to the global stage as a Manchester United icon, and later as a captain and a coach-in-waiting. The profile covers his early days with Everton, his 2004 transfer to United, a breakthrough performance in his first European campaign, and the 13-season era of silverware that cemented his status as one of England’s greatest forwards. It also traces his international career with England, where he became the nation’s all-time top scorer and a symbol of grit and leadership, before moving into coaching roles in the United States and the English system, where he continues to influence the next generation of players.

Rooney’s enduring message: greatness in football is a blend of talent, timing, and relentless work ethic. The piece closes with a reminder that his story—from academy wunderkind to world-class ambassador—remains a touchstone for players chasing both club and country glory.