‘Very unusual’: BBC pundit says 26-year-old player was Chelsea’s Man of the Match tonight

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Matthew Upson has given big praise to Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek after his performance tonight in the FA Cup.

Chelsea had to come from behind on two occasions to eventually beat Championship side Luton Town 3-2 in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Blues, who were beaten in the weekend’s Carabao Cup final, were given an early scare when Reece Burke put hosts Luton ahead in the second minute.

Saul Niguez fired in a great equaliser before Harry Cornick restored the lead inside the opening 45 minutes.

Eventually, the quality of the Premier League side came through in the second period. Timo Werner equalised before setting up teammate Romelu Lukaku for the winning goal.

BBC pundit Upson named Chelsea’s Loftus-Cheek as his Man of the Match from the thrilling cup tie against Luton.

“It’s interesting what we’ve seen this evening with a player in Ruben Loftus-Cheek playing centre-back. It’s very unusual, it surprised me, but as the game’s gone on, I just think he’s grown into it. Great pass for Werner’s goal. I think he’s really adapted well,” Upson said during BBC One’s televised coverage of Luton vs Chelsea (85th minute).

Loftus-Cheek, who came into the starting line-up, oddly played in the heart of a back three.

The 26-year-old was strangely playing in a centre-back role either side of Antonio Rudiger and Malang Sarr, which definitely took some time to get used to.

However, the Englishman really grew into a role usually occupied by Thiago Silva.

He’s someone that will love to be on the pitch in whatever capacity, so it was great to see him apply himself well as a defender.

His stunning assist for Werner’s goal showed the kind of quality on the ball he possesses.

Chelsea survive shock on historic day

Thankfully, Chelsea got themselves together in the second half to avoid defat to Luton.

It was a far from vintage performance from several individuals, but all that matters is they are now through to the quarter-finals of another competition.

The game itself was the backdrop today on a date that will remembered in the club’s history.

Roman Abramovich officially announced in a statement this evening that he’ll be selling the club, albeit there will now be a process to find a new buyer.

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