Tim Sherwood showered Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek with high praise but suggested he needs to take more advice from Thomas Tuchel.
Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, Sherwood did not hold back whilst hailing Loftus-Cheek, yet insisted he could improve further by paying greater attention to Tuchel’s words.
The 25-year-old is right back in amongst the Stamford Bridge fold, following a period out of the picture.
A serious injury, followed by the loan move to Fulham, really put the former England international’s future at this boyhood under threat.
Over the summer, questions were raised about the Cobham graduate’s place within Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
After failing to appear in any of the first five Premier League games this season, Loftus-Cheek gradually clawed his way back into the side.
Now, with 12 appearances and three assists under his belt, the player’s status is no longer under consideration.
He has clearly accepted most of the information handed to him by Tuchel, given his displays of late, despite Sherwood’s comments.
Ruben’s time to shine
His performances have warranted a regular spot in the starting XI, which may become more attainable due to N’Golo Kante’s injury.
Kante came off for Loftus-Cheek in the mid-week Champions League clash against Juventus with a twisted knee and is a doubt to face Manchester United on Sunday.
Thanks to Mateo Kovacic’s absence as well, the Englishman is the most obvious replacement for the Frenchman.
“He might get his opportunity now. Kante came off the other night, he came on and did really well,” said Sherwood on Loftus-Cheek.
“He’s got really special feet. He’s a Rolls Royce of a player in my opinion.
“He just needs to get his head down. He’s got all the attributes; he just needs to start listening to the manager. He needs to trust the manager.
“Special talent for me. Different to Kante, completely different.”
Kante’s concern is another man’s opening
Whilst the loss of Kante is obviously massive for Chelsea, it gives others a chance to stand in the spotlight.
If not Loftus-Cheek, maybe Saul Niguez or Ross Barkley, two individuals still with points to prove to Tuchel.
Especially Saul, who remains on trial whilst his move back to Atletico Madrid edges ever closer.
But for such a significant match like the one this weekend, expect Loftus-Cheek to get the nod.