Physically mature, tactically aware and an ever-growing confidence, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is edging closer to his Chelsea dream.
The 19 year-old has spent much of his footballing career in West London; joining the Blues in 2004, the England international was granted his professional contract last year. Loftus-Cheek, though appearing scarcely so far on the Stamford Bridge stage, has justified a media-following through his emphatic academy career, and particularly his – albeit short – cameo as he came on against Sporting Lisbon in this season’s Champions League.
The midfielder was first put in the media spotlight after a promising 2012/13 season earned the youngster a call-up to Chelsea’s bizarre post-season tour with Manchester City in the United States. Arguably the game meant very little to the Premier League regulars on the pitch, but Loftus-Cheek was not at all phased by the opportunity that faced him.
Yaya Toure was given a run for his money in the fixture that saw Chelsea’s youngster put in an eye-catching performance – that of an experienced individual who had been there and played in those sort of games before.
Unfortunately the 19 year-old did not feature in Mourinho’s first full season in charge (II), but perhaps that was partly due to the crowded squad and desire for transition. Now, however, with an array of fringe players either abroad or playing in lower divisions, it’s clear to see that Loftus-Cheek has the potential to be something special.
The youngster was on the bench for Chelsea’s fixture at Upton Park last night, which the Blues went on to in 1-0, thanks to a Hazard header mid-way into the first half.
Speaking after the game, Mourinho was quick to praise the abilities of Loftus-Cheek and gave Chelsea fans a hint of what we might see in the future.
I had Loftus-Cheek on the bench and I have to say that, in my opinion, next year, this kid will be a big surprise in the Premier League
The task for academy players to reach the pinnacle of English football has seemingly never been greater than in this day and age, but the future certainly looks bright for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
