Chelsea icon hails Super Eagles star Uche after London move

Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella has heaped praise on Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche following his deadline day switch to Crystal Palace, hailing him as one of La Liga’s brightest performers.

Uche, who joined the Eagles on loan from Getafe with an obligation to buy, now has the platform to showcase his talent in the Premier League after catching the eye in Spain with Getafe.

Speaking in an interview with AS, Cucurella described Uche as “one of the best in La Liga” last season and highlighted how the Premier League’s financial power is reshaping football’s landscape.

The Spanish full-back, who once shared a dressing room at Getafe, reflected on how newly promoted English sides can spend heavily, while Spanish teams struggle to keep hold of top talent.

“The distribution of money in England is evener… that allows all teams to sign great players,” he explained.

Using Crystal Palace’s business as an example, Cucurella pointed to their signings of Yeremy Pino and Uche as evidence of how mid-table Premier League clubs are now raiding La Liga for its best players.

For Uche, the move represents a major career leap and a chance to test himself against some of the toughest midfielders in the world.

At just 22, the Nigerian has already built a reputation for his versatility and dynamism, attributes that Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be eager to harness.

The transfer also comes at a crucial moment internationally, with Uche reporting to Nigeria’s camp in Uyo on Wednesday ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Having made his Super Eagles debut in the Unity Cup against Jamaica and followed up with an appearance versus Russia, Uche now has the chance to cement his place as a regular in Eric Chelle’s plans.