Former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle believes that Ruben Loftus-Cheek should be a first-choice player at the Blues now. The Englishman was one of the Blues star performers during their 1-1 draw in the Europa League semi-final first leg game against Eintracht Frankfurt. After claiming a crucial away goal, the Blues will be favourites to advance to the final of Europe’s second-tier club competition with the next leg set to be played at Stamford Bridge.
“I just think the manager has got to trust him more and more,” said Hoddle, as quoted by The Express.
“There’s more to come from this lad by the way, we haven’t seen the best of him yet – if he’s given the shirt, if he knows the managers going to put him in on the big games, if he says you’re an eight for me, one holding player and two eights and you will be one of them.
“There’s more to come, if he’s given the shirt, plays consistently. I think he’s frustrated, I see the frustration in his game, and then I think he can get back in the England team. He has such a frame. He might have to score more goals.”
After impressing on loan with Crystal Palace in the Premier League and holding his own for England during the 2018 World Cup, many expected Loftus-Cheek to be a breakout superstar for the Blues this season. He has managed to get a decent amount of game time and impressed whenever called upon as he has so far made 22 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals. However, he has not exactly become a first-team regular under Maurizio Sarri.
Loftus-Cheek has certainly proven that he can hold his own against any club in Premier League football. He could become an important member of the Blues first-team from next season in light of the club’s transfer ban. Due to the ban which will span over two transfer windows, the Blues may have to make do with whatever resources they have and also call upon loan players given that there will be a few departures. It will be a no-brainer to give Loftus-Cheek more game time.
