Growing up on the outskirts of Barcelona, football has always run through Marc's Catalan blood. The spectacle of the Camp Nou. A city unequivocally passionate for its club, with red and blue throughout the streets and linking to the local people of Catalonia – a connection that engrossed Cucurella.

Quite simply, football was something destined for a small boy from the town of Alella, 20 minutes up the coast.

La Masia, Barcelona’s famous academy, became the Spaniard’s second home as he absorbed the club’s philosophy and DNA. He grew up watching defensive giants like Carles Puyol and attacking experts like Xavi and Andres Iniesta. It provided him with an up-close footballing education that others could only dream of.

‘It was one of the best experiences I could’ve had learning there and playing with incredible players,’ Marc said on his days as a wide-eyed prodigy of the Blaugrana’s youth system. ‘It was a great experience when you were a kid. I got to learn their philosophy and everything, and I think now I’m here because I played there. I learned so much there.’

There was only one focus for the coaches and players of La Masia and that was basing his tuition on the most important element of the game: the football.

He continued: ‘I learned about using the ball. Everything you were taught was around the same idea – using the ball. I was there when Barcelona were winning so much with all those top players and they had a very specific type of play.

‘I learned a lot of things about being in possession and I can use that in my professional football today. I’m very happy to have had that long journey at La Masia and Barcelona because they taught me a lot of things.’

That journey, however, would eventually take him far beyond the familiar comforts of his hometown, leading him to the intensity and the grand stage of the Premier League. But the 26-year-old admits it was initially a struggle to adapt to English football’s complexities.

‘The physicality and the speed of the game is very different to Spain,’ Marc explained. ‘I remember I played my first Premier League game against Brentford at their stadium and it was very tough for me. We won but I finished the game sad and angry because I felt that I played very badly.

‘Because of the speed of the league, you have to think very fast and be much stronger. That’s the big difference between the Premier League and La Liga.’

It proved a test of the defender’s character and determination. In response, the full-back honed his craft and focused on improving his strength and decision-making, gradually finding his rhythm and confidence in England’s top flight.

He added: ‘I needed to work hard and go to the gym a lot. There were tough moments and I learned a lot. One thing I learned was that it doesn’t matter if you play good or bad, you are the same player. I still use this today. You’re never the worst player and you’re never the best player.’

His willingness to never give up brought incredible validation, as Marc accomplished a dream come true through his work by moving to the Blues. Reflecting on his two-and-a-half years at the Bridge, Marc has two special memories that stick out to him.

‘I would say my debut,’ Cucurella nodded. ‘It was a good moment and I fought a lot to play for a big club and Chelsea gave me that opportunity.

‘I would also say when we played Dortmund and beat them 2-0 in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge. I remember being out of the squad for three or four games before, but then the manager put me in that game and I played very well and the team won. It was a good moment in my career.’

This campaign, Marc's quest to further improve has resulted in a prolific record in front of goal. All four of his Premier League strikes for the Blues have come this season, with Reece James the last defender to score more in a single campaign for the club during the 21/22 season.

It’s also a personal record for Marc with the full-back surpassing his own tally for the most goals in a single season. This new facet of his game is something he’s extremely proud of.

Cucurella said: ‘One of the things that I felt that I could improve upon was my ability in the last third – more goals and more assists. I would say this season I have had the opportunity to score a few goals. I’m very happy because I feel very good and I've been able to help the team.

‘I always try to give the best for my team and I always try to leave everything on the pitch for my team. I always try to win. I think they are the best things I can have as a player. Now I’m even a goalscorer! Hopefully, I can score a lot more goals and I’m very happy.’