Rio Ferdinand has claimed he wants to see Ruben Loftus-Cheek starting more games for Chelsea moving forward.
Loftus-Cheek, 25, has surprisingly forced his way back into favour recently at Stamford Bridge.
It looked like the Blues academy graduate had a bleak future after an average loan spell with Fulham last season, but he’s now back in contention with Chelsea’s first team.
He had some success earlier in his career as a box-to-box central midfielder, albeit a serious injury a few years ago really derailed his development. However, current Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has spotted something in him.
The Englishman has now started back-to-back Premier League games as the deep-lying midfielder, where he’s been able to massively impress. Brentford’s Christian Norgaard even admitted at the weekend he found it difficult as an opposition player against him
Ferdinand has urged Tuchel to select Loftus-Cheek more regularly:
“Ruben Loftus-Cheek in that deeper lying position was magnificent [against Brentford] . I want to see him there regularly,” Ferdinand said.
Can Loftus-Cheek stick in XI?
If you examine Loftus-Cheek this season, he’s seized any chances the manager has given to him. He’s now featured in six games across all competitions.
The Chelsea powerhouse offers a more physical presence when he plays. Also, he’s looked comfortable on the ball and has never lacked confidence dribbling past opponents.
However, that doesn’t guarantee him a nailed-on spot in the line-up.
You’d have to guess Jorginho is still the go-to player for Tuchel when he’s fully fit.
He’s still adored by plenty of Chelsea fans
Loftus-Cheek’s emergence several years ago at Chelsea opened the floodgates for a wave of academy graduates to make a breakthrough at Chelsea.
The midfielder was the first real talent since the days of John Terry that had a real buzz around him at Stamford Bridge.
If he fulfils his immense potential as a Chelsea player, so much of the fanbase will be over the moon.
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