Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been impressive this season most times he has been given the chance by Maurizio Sarri, and his part in the Blues 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion proves just why he must get more minutes than the seasoned professionals in the squad.
The Blues are struggling to find their rhythm under Sarri, who only arrived on July 4 last year, and has attempted to introduce the dramatic ‘Sarriball’ at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are toiling to win silverware, having crashed out of two cup competitions already, and falling way behind the Manchester City in the Premier League race.
Some of the criticism at Sarri’s door has been that he fails to play the youngsters in the Premier League but Loftus-Cheek will have little complains. He has featured 18 times in the top flight, and if not for his injuries, he could have had more games under his belt.
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His progress has been so sturdy that Cesar Azpilicueta admits the 23-year-old will be important to their chances if he keeps getting the minutes in the big competitions.
“I have known him since I came here and his big problem was injuries. He couldn’t stay with the team for a long time, he didn’t have a lot of game time which makes it more difficult to get in the rhythm of the team, but lately he has been involved.
He has started games, played 90 minutes, he has been improving a lot and I’m sure he will be even more important in the future. He’s understanding the game better, when he has to drive with the ball, and he has unbelievable strength. He can push past defenders, get in the box, score goals, and he defends. He is a complete player.”
Cesar Azpilicueta, Metro
Currently, he needs to fend off competition from Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley, but Loftus-Cheek’s numbers are looking way better than his rivals. In the 31 games, he has played this season in all competitions, Loftus-Cheek has scored eight goals and provided three assists. These are only a fraction of his general input in this Chelsea team.
His presence provides a reliable defensive shield on the left of midfield and contributes immensely in attack. Sarri might have to instill belief in him to whip up the necessary positive response from the more seasoned yet underperforming midfielders
