Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek suggested playing in a “more advanced” position in midfield played a part in his goalscoring performance in Sunday’s 2-0 FA Cup semifinal win over Crystal Palace.
It is safe to say that the 26-year-old has played more games than many had expected before the season started.
Thomas Tuchel has plenty of midfield options, including key players such as N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, and Jorginho, and Loftus-Cheek was always going to face fierce competition for minutes on the pitch.
However, Loftus-Cheek has already made 31 appearances in all competitions this season. The key is his versatility.
Rather than being just a midfield option, he has played various roles, including as a centre-back and a wing-back.
“I’m comfortable wherever on the pitch,” the England international told Chelsea TV after the game.
“I know my abilities and characteristics allow me to play different positions and be effective in them.
“Today I found myself in a more advanced position in midfield, which I haven’t played too much this season, so it’s another change.
“But wherever I play, I try to give my best and try to make an impact.
“I found myself in the box this time, the ball fell to me, and I just tried to get a clean strike.”
At Wembley, the Chelsea academy graduate played as a number eight after replacing the injured Kovacic, rather than a number six, with Jorginho playing the holding role.
This is the role he is most familiar with, and it allowed him the freedom to roam the pitch.
It remains unclear whether his performance throughout the season is enough to convince Tuchel to keep him in the squad next season, but his ability to play in various positions would only help his case.
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