Vinicius Jr congratulates his new teammate
Real Madrid’s No. 7 congratulated Cucurella on winning the World Cup with Spain.
Marc Cucurella is enjoying a summer he will never forget. After signing for Real Madrid in June, the left-back capped it off by becoming a world champion, playing a leading role throughout the tournament and establishing himself as arguably its outstanding fullback, with Pedro Porro his closest rival. Now, after a well-earned break, he will begin a new chapter in white, already showing the first signs of chemistry with his new teammates.
Moments after Spain secured their second World Cup star, Vinicius Júnior welcomed Cucurella to the club in captain-like fashion. Sharing Real Madrid’s photo of the defender kissing the trophy, the Brazilian wrote on social media: “Congratulations and welcome, Cucu!”
José Mourinho will have the final say, but all signs point to Real Madrid’s left flank already having its new owners. Cucurella and Vinicius Júnior look set to turn that side into one of the team’s greatest attacking weapons. Their qualities complement each other perfectly and could help Real Madrid continue to dominate an area of the pitch that has been central to the club’s success over the past decade.
At this World Cup, Vinicius produced some of his best football by staying wide and stretching defences from the touchline. Cucurella, who alternated attacking responsibilities with Álex Baena throughout the tournament, should prove an ideal partner. Whether making overlapping runs beyond the Brazilian or drifting into inside channels to occupy defenders, the Spaniard has the movement and intelligence to create more space for Vinicius to exploit, making the pair a potentially formidable combination.
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