Como, France at Da Cunha’s feet: the €700,000 signing that Fabregas has turned into a great player

Fabregas' vision transformed Da Cunha's career. The Catalan manager reinvented him as a midfielder, first as a mezz'ala in the 4-3-3 to excellent effect, then as a deep-lying playmaker in front of the defence in the 4-2-3-1. The French player of Portuguese origin trusted him, learned the right movements in the defensive phase too and became indispensable, a leader and the club captain. Last summer Napoli and Atalanta were tracking him, but he did not leave Como. Instead, he doubled down: a renewal until 2031. Three months later Zidane, in his first squad list as France head coach, called him up to play for Les Bleus.

Two years ago, after Da Cunha scored at San Siro in Como's first Serie A season against AC Milan, Fabregas explained Lucas's change of role like this at full time: "When you have so much football to give, the role is relative." Yesterday against Belgium, the Como captain started for France: number 21 on his back, head held high, and his play as clean and precise as ever. On his international debut he registered 97 touches, a 93% pass completion rate, six ball recoveries, and only the post denied him the joy of a goal he would have deserved. Fans in France went wild on X, posting several comments: "Where was Deschamps when Da Cunha was playing this well for Como?" From Como to Fabregas, from France to Zidane: the incredible story of Da Cunha.