"To do that tonight, what he did, he’s a serious player" - Wayne Rooney hails Chelsea star after their 3-0 win over Barcelona

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella after their win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. He hailed the left-back for his performance against Lamine Yamal, saying that the Spaniard showed why the club signed him.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney said that Cucurella's performance against Yamal and Barcelona was the best he has seen from a left-back in recent seasons. He believes that playing against top Chelsea players in training has helped the defender and said (via Metro):

"Estevao has probably given Cucurella the best lessons in training that he could have in dealing with Lamine Yamal. Cucurella was absolutely incredible. I think it's probably the best performance I've seen from a left-back for a long, long time. To do that tonight, what he did, he's a serious player."

"It always helped me because when you're playing against top-class defenders every day in training, in small spaces as well, in smaller games, you have to think quick on your feet. You have to learn to use your body because you're up against quick, strong players. Normally, training is the hardest opposition you have and it makes games a lot easier so I think for Cucurella tonight, he's had good preparation for this game."

Chelsea eased past Barcelona with a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, with Estevao Willian and Liam Delap getting on the scoresheet, after Jules Kounde's own goal gave them the lead in the first half. Enzo Fernandez had two goals disallowed, first for handball and then for offside, while Andrey Santos also had a goal disallowed for offside.

Chelsea star will get a boost after Barcelona win, says Wayne Rooney

Former England striker Wayne Rooney believes that Chelsea star Estevao Willian will have a lot of confidence for the rest of the season because of the win over Barcelona. He claimed that the Brazilian star showed his level in the win and said on Amazon Prime:

"Nights like tonight will give him a lot of confidence. But also, the manager has used him really well and sparingly in the Premier League. It isn't as physical in Europe and he was fantastic tonight."

"His decisions to drive with the ball, decisions to run off the ball, to play inside, one touch, but also, defensively, his work-rate was very good as well. If he keeps doing what he's doing then he'll give the manager no option but to play him in every game."

Chelsea face Arsenal next in the Premier League. They host the league leaders on Sunday, November 30, at Stamford Bridge.