Glenn Hoddle was impressed by Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek following his performance against Eintracht Frankfurt and has urged manager Maurizio Sarri to show more trust in him.
The Blues managed to draw 1-1 away at the Bundesliga club in the first leg of a Europa League semi-final.
Pedro’s away goal just before half-time could prove to be decisive ahead of the second leg next week at Stamford Bridge.
Ex-Chelsea player Hoddle picked out Loftus-Cheek following his eye-catching display on Thursday night.
The 23-year-old academy graduate showed his qualities in the centre of the park with a powerful display and he got the assist for Pedro’s goal after some neat work in the penalty area.
He’s now made 37 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and supplying five assists in return.
But Hoddle has urged Blues manager Sarri to show more trust in the England international.
“I think the manager needs to trust him (Loftus-Cheek) more and more. The more he trusts him the more he is going to play,” Hoddle told BT Sport.
“There is more to come from this lad by the way, we haven’t seen the best of him. That’s probably one of the better games we have seen him play.
“I think he can get back into the England team, he’s got such a frame. He might have to score a few more goals. He deserves a chance.”
Loftus-Cheek is beginning to become a regular name in the XI and it looks like Sarri is starting to trust him more every week.
The central midfielder offers a real presence in the team and is also a serious threat going forward.
He showed against Frankfurt that he can glide past opponents and is so hard to step when he’s running full tilt from midfield.
Loftus-Cheek’s biggest obstacle to overcome is his back problems, but if he can stay fit during the whole of next season then he could become a colossal star for Chelsea.
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