Ruben Loftus-Cheek has always been tipped to be a star. For Chelsea, before deciding to focus on integrating young players directly into their setup, Loftus-Cheek was the only one who managed to break through.
Yesterday, however, back from the desert, we saw the player that truly is Loftus-Cheek.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Chelsea striker is back to his best
Chelsea Star excels against the Saints
When Loftus-Cheek went to Fulham last year, for many fans it was the signal for the end of a player’s career.
Loftus-Cheek was tragically injured in a friendly in the United States just before the Europa League final, a game he is said to have started against Mateo Kovacic. It was a game that would cement the need to sign Kovacic, being the best player on the pitch that night.
Loftus-Cheek made no impression under Frank Lampard and little in Fulham under Scott Parker. Nonetheless, he has remained in good shape and Tuchel has decided to give him one last chance this season in the squad.
Chelsea had lost their last two games to Manchester City and Juventus respectively, and Tuchel decided to switch.
He has given chances to many players who have been on the sidelines this season. The starts went to Ben Chilwell, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Trevor Chalobah, Timo Werner and Loftus-Cheek. There was even an appearance to replace Ross Barkley.
It was Loftus-Cheek, however, who stood out from the crowd and showed why Tuchel trusted him, and perhaps helped him cement a more consistent place in the starting XI.
A new position
Loftus-Cheek is a versatile player, and many have questioned whether he will play where Havertz usually plays in the 3 front. Tuchel did confirm ahead of the game, however, that he would be part of the pivot alongside Kovacic.
Chelsea’s system usually means that one midfielder sits deep with the other carrying the ball onto the pitch. Yesterday, however, Loftus-Cheek and Kovacic sat deep in front of their own defenders and scoured the pitch with the ball at their feet.
Loftus-Cheek won nine duels, demonstrating his defensive improvement, as well as the team’s highest number of dribbles (4/5 successful) and creating three chances throughout the game. He didn’t just control the game, he was the most outstanding actor.
The extraordinary performer
Loftus-Cheek was comparable to Yaya Touré in the way he got through opposition and created chances for full-backs to put balls into the box. This ability to drive with the ball is something that Loftus-Cheek has teased over the years. This was notably seen in a magnificent solo goal against Liverpool during his youth side at Chelsea.
His moment of the match came, however, when he used his aerial ability to give Chalobah a turn as he rushed home. This is another dimension that the Chelsea midfielder lacks that Ruben can offer.
Jorginho and Kovacic tend to sit for corners as they don’t have an imposing figure, but Loftus-Cheek commands in the box and is ready to attack the ball. No supporter of the Saints was near him as he rose above the opposition.
His size will also help defensively and means Chelsea have another great man to defend the corners.
Fight to start each week
Loftus-Cheek has always had the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. With fierce competition in the Chelsea squad this year, there’s a chance this will be just a last look at such a great talent.
Right now, Kante’s injuries are common and Chelsea are not looking well in their transition from defense to attack. Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be the injection of power and technical skill that Chelsea need to improve and keep fighting on all fronts this season. Even as a cup player, Loftus-Cheek could change his career and play for the club that nurtured him.
Even if he does not succeed at Chelsea, this performance will have reminded clubs across Europe that Loftus-Cheek’s career is far from over.
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