In the wake of Chelsea's commanding 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, football legend Wayne Rooney has singled out Marc Cucurella for special praise. Rooney didn't hold back, labeling Cucurella's performance as one of the best left-back displays he has witnessed "for a very long time".

Cucurella was a dominant force on the pitch, particularly in his duels with Barcelona's young star, Lamine Yamal. The Spanish international consistently won his exchanges against the 18-year-old prodigy, effectively shutting down a key attacking threat for the Catalan side. Chelsea's defense, led by Cucurella, managed to keep a clean sheet against a Barcelona team that had scored in 53 consecutive matches.

The victory was particularly sweet for Chelsea, especially after their manager, Enzo Maresca, had played down the team's chances ahead of the match. The win not only secured Chelsea's position in the Champions League but also saw their own teenage sensation, Estevao, upstage Yamal, adding another layer of satisfaction to the victory.

Rooney's high praise underscores the significance of Cucurella's contribution to Chelsea's success. Beyond his defensive duties, Cucurella's energy and commitment were evident throughout the game, solidifying his place as a key player for the Blues.

This statement comes even as Rooney recently cautioned Liverpool about the dangers of declining standards, drawing a parallel to Manchester United's recent struggles. Rooney emphasized the importance of senior players stepping up during difficult periods to prevent a team from slipping down the table. He noted that Liverpool's inconsistent performances and openness make them vulnerable.

Chelsea's dismantling of Barcelona was not without its talking points. The match also featured a moment where Chelsea's Cole Palmer fractured his toe, with Marc Cucurella humorously suggesting himself as the culprit.