Loftus-Cheek shares the three things Tuchel told him before starting him in defensive midfield

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek has given an insight into what Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has told him about slotting into the system as a defensive midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

Loftus-Cheek has been given a small run in the Blues XI recently, finding great success operating in an unfamiliar role.

The 25-year-old has traditionally been a box-to-box central midfielder during his time as a first-team player. He’s even played some games further up the pitch as an attacker.

However, the Englishman has recently played some minutes as a deep-lying midfielder.

The powerful academy graduate has thrived at the base of midfield by helping to add a real physical presence both on and off the ball. In addition, he’s looking extremely comfortable in possession, too.

Loftus-Cheek has detailed the message from Tuchel about playing in a new position:

“He said if I play this position, then be strong. Use my body, dominate physically, and just play how I play,” Loftus-Cheek said.

Will Loftus-Cheek continue as deeper midfielder?

For now, you’d suspect Loftus-Cheek will be in Tuchel’s plans as a defensive midfielder.

He’s impressed as the deepest of a midfield trio, with Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante operating either side of him with a bit more freedom at the weekend against Brentford.

It means Loftus-Cheek and Jorginho are vying for the same starting position, which is a battle the latter is surely strong favourite to win the majority of the time.

However, it’s hard to overlook how well Loftus-Cheek has performed in the last couple of games. It’s great to see him back in a Chelsea shirt again enjoying his football.

Rio Ferdinand has claimed he wants to see him starting more games now for the Blues.

Midfield depth is uncanny

It’s remarkable that Chelsea can call upon so much quality in the centre of the park.

The reemergence of Loftus-Cheek is a reminder of how much depth is in this Blues squad for the 2021/22 season.

Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley and Saul Niguez are all Chelsea central midfielders that have barely got a look-in at the start of the season.

Kante, Kovacic and Jorginho are the senior midfield trio that spearhead the top-class options. 

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