Graham Potter claims he’s been really impressed by Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek in training.
Loftus-Cheek, who’s already played 14 games across all competitions this season, is enjoying a decent individual year so far.
The 26-year-old midfielder has had a turbulent Blues career where he’s been in and out of side, which has included a couple of loan spells away from Stamford Bridge.
However, it looks like he’s now established himself as an important first-team player.
The Telegraph claims Loftus-Cheek could yet sneak his way into England’s World Cup squad next month.
Loftus-Cheek in training
Potter has given a glowing assessment on Chelsea’s powerhouse central midfielder.
It’s important to note his claim that Loftus-Cheek continues to train well regardless of if he starts, which is great to have in the dressing room.
He’s actually started five of the eight games since Potter became the new head coach, coming off the bench in the other three.
“He has really impressed me on and off the pitch,” Potter said.
“A humble guy who wants to learn. He has benefited form game time but the way he has trained has been really good when he hasn’t played.
“Clearly he needs a good fitness level to carry that big body of his around the pitch.
“His quality is there. He is fantastic on the ball, has great physicality and is a great athlete. I think he is putting himself into a situation as one of the players Gareth [Southgate] will be looking at as an outsider into the squad. But that’s Gareth’s decision.”
With N’Golo Kante sidelined through injury, it’s opened up a big window of opportunity in the centre of the park.
Loftus-Cheek is giving a great account of himself to recapture some of his best levels.
Also, the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Conor Gallagher will be desperate for more minutes in the midfield.
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