MY ACCOUNT
Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek was surprised to start in defence against Luton — but the midfielder enjoyed every minute.
Thomas Tuchel started Loftus-Cheek in the centre of his back three last night as the Blues twice came from behind to seal a 3-2 win at Kenilworth Road.
And Loftus-Cheek played a key role, supplying the assist for Timo Werner to net his side’s second equaliser.
The England international, 26, said: “It came as a surprise to me! I found out the day before that I might have to do a job there.
“A lot of our defenders have got niggles and there’s some players who played 120 minutes plus penalties at the weekend [in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool].
“You have to do a job where you get put and I still tried to bring my qualities to the game. That’s all I could do but I really enjoyed it.
“I played centre-back when I was 12 or 13 for a season or two and I never liked it!
“But this was a bit different. This time I had more licence to step out and create the attack from the start, so I enjoyed it.”
Chelsea fell behind inside two minutes when Reece Burke headed Luton in front.
Sual Niguez levelled matters 25 minutes later but the European and world champions went in 2-1 down at the break thanks to Harry Cornick’s fine finish.
Werner equalised in the 68th minute and then turned provider for Romelu Lukaku to send Tuchel’s side into the quarter-finals.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Loftus-Cheek added: “I had a lot of time on the ball and no one was pressuring me.
“I looked up and Timo was pointing in behind and I just tried to pick him out. I think it was a great touch and a great finish from Timo, so credit to him.”
Loftus-Cheek will hope to be in contention for a starting place once again when Chelsea return to Premier League action at Burnley on Saturday.
