Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a wanted man. The England international has been coveted by a number of clubs during this summer’s transfer window, with both Crystal Palace and Schalke keen to entice the winger away from Stamford Bridge. Despite the constant speculation, Loftus-Cheek is seemingly happy in West London and determined to nail down a regular position in the Chelsea starting eleven.
Source: The Blues via Twitter
Loftus-Cheek is highly sought-after following his appearance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He played 274 minutes as the Three Lions progressed to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in 28 years. His performances were praised by various pundits, with the midfielder providing some much-needed energy during his time on the pitch and his direct style of play helped him attract admiring glances from a number of top European clubs.
The 22-year-old spent time on loan at Crystal Palace last season and enjoyed a profitable spell at Selhurst Park. He made 24 appearances for Roy Hodgson’s men and prompted many Chelsea fans to call for him to be installed into the starting eleven upon his return to Stamford Bridge.
With another summer of upheaval taking place at Chelsea this summer, Loftus Cheek’s future is still very much up in the air and the arrival of Mateo Kovacic has provided further competition to the midfield. However, despite the glut of playmakers in the squad, Loftus-Cheek is believed to be confident of breaking into the team during the 2018-19 Premier League season and has reportedly rejected a loan move to Bundesliga outfit, Schalke as a result.
New boss Maurizio Sarri is believed to be an admirer of the midfielder but told reporters that he must improve from a “tactical point of view”. The former Napoli boss suggested that he has a big future at the club but is still learning his craft.
Source: Premier League via Twitter
The Blues will be fancied to improve this season following a disappointing campaign under Antonio Conte. Sarri’s tactics at Napoli were widely praised and many fans are hoping his entertaining brand of football can also bring some silverware to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will be hoping to return to the Champions League spots and are 4/7 in the Premiership odds to finish in the top four. They began the season with a convincing 3-0 success against Huddersfield and are ranked as 14/1 shots for the title.
Loftus-Cheek came off the bench against the Terriers and played 22 minutes in Chelsea’s opening-day success and he’ll be hoping that it is the first of many appearances this season. He appears focused and determined to fight for his place this year and that commitment will undoubtedly please Chelsea supporters. He also featured in the club’s friendly defeat to Lyon and despite competition for places, he is currently positioned towards the front of the queue.
His career significantly benefited from a loan spell last season but the 22-year-old wants to remain in West London and fight for his place in the side this time around. He’s determined to impress Maurizio Sarri and become a permanent fixture in the Chelsea first team and he appears to be going the right way about it. It may be a few years until he becomes one of the first names on the team-sheet but Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s future at the club looks extremely bright and prosperous.
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