MY ACCOUNT
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was once a forgotten man at Stamford Bridge but recent performances have made him impossible to ignore.
Chelsea’s homegrown star has become a key cog in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield of late — and he shone again in last Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Leeds.
It is a sharp contrast with recent seasons as the 25-year-old midfielder struggled with injuries before enduring a difficult loan spell at Fulham.
As the Blues prepare to face Everton tonight, we take a look at how Loftus-Cheek has overcome a series of setbacks to stake his claim for a starting berth in West London.
What does not kill you…
Disappointing recent experiences appear only to have made Loftus-Cheek stronger.
But his positive displays this season will perhaps have come as a surprise to Fulham supporters after the midfield ace looked rusty and ineffective while at Craven Cottage last term.
That turnaround in form is testament to Loftus-Cheek’s determination to get back to his best.
Add in the string of injuries he has had to deal with — notably a ruptured Achilles that kept him out for almost a year — and it must be said he has shown immense character to hit top gear once again.
Physical prowess
Match of the Day commentator Jonathan Pearce described the contest between Chelsea and Leeds as “gritty and tenacious” — and Loftus-Cheek really comes into his own in that kind of environment.
Chelsea’s No12 has previously noted that his physicality is his greatest strength — and it shows.
In the Premier League this season, Jorginho (4.81) is the only Chelsea player to have won possession in the middle third of the pitch more times per 90 minutes than Loftus-Cheek (4.4).
The England international also only ranks behind Romelu Lukaku (3.11) and Andreas Christensen (3.53) for aerial duels won per 90, averaging 2.72.
Rising to Tuchel’s challenge
After an impressive showing in Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Malmo last month, Tuchel challenged Loftus-Cheek to really “push himself”.
He said: “He [Loftus-Cheek] wants to dominate opponents. I think he is too talented to just be a part of the group.
“He needs to use his full potential — that is absolutely key for him — and if he does like in this moment he can be a big part of the squad.
“I am very happy with him and the next step is to show consistency and push himself. The limit can constantly be pushed because he has so much potential.”
A regular fixture?
The absence of enforcer-in-chief N’Golo Kante through injury has undoubtedly helped Loftus-Cheek hold down a spot in the middle of the park.
The Frenchman appears set to return soon but his team-mate could keep his place regardless.
That is because Jorginho has been playing through the pain barrier, admitting that his “back is not in the best condition”.
Whether the 6ft 3in colossus can become one of the main men in Chelsea’s midfield remains to be seen — but in a season where the Blues are still fighting on four fronts, there are bound to be opportunities aplenty for Loftus-Cheek.
An international recall on the horizon?
The last of Loftus-Cheek’s 10 England caps came in a mid-season friendly in 2018 after he featured in the Three Lions’ run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia.
Competition for places in Gareth Southgate’s midfield is fierce, with the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham all firmly in the fold.
But Loftus-Cheek has overcome bigger challenges before — and there is still time for him to earn a seat on the plane to Qatar next winter.
That would truly complete a remarkable comeback from the Lewisham native.
