Chelsea star Cucurella hails Uche as one of La Liga's best after Crystal Palace move

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has praised Crystal Palace's deadline day signing Christantus Uche, describing the versatile midfielder as one of the standout players in La Liga before his move to England.

The Nigeria international has joined Crystal Palace on loan from Getafe with an obligation to buy in the deal.

Uche arrives in England with a reputation as one of La Liga's most exciting young prospects after contributing 12 goals and assists across 36 appearances.

Crystal Palace pulled off a major transfer coup to land the Nigerian, seeing off competition from the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa and Sunderland. 

Barcelona academy product Cucurella, who played for Getafe for two seasons before moving to the Premier League, has reflected on the growing disparity between the English top-flight and Spain's La Liga, pointing to Uche's arrival at Selhurst Park as evidence of the shifting balance of power.

"The distribution of money in England is evener. For example, the teams that get promoted get a lot of money, and in the end, that allows all teams to sign great players, and that evens out the league," Cucurella explained in an interview with AS. 

"That's why every game in the Premier League is a battle. Sunderland, who just got promoted, has invested two hundred million in players, and Crystal Palace has signed two of the best in La Liga, Yeremy and Uche."

Cucurella warned that Spain's failure to address financial inequalities is leaving La Liga at risk of falling further behind its English counterpart. 

"That’s something they should fix, because La Liga is falling behind the Premier League, and that’s driving players to England to play."

Uche reported for international duty in Uyo on Wednesday ahead of Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda's Wasps at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The 22-year-old made his Super Eagles bow in the Unity Cup showpiece versus Jamaica and earned his second cap in a high profile friendly against Russia in June 2025.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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