Chelsea legend Ashley Cole believes that a fully fit Ruben Loftus-Cheek can lift the Blues this season.
The Blues have started the new season in less than ideal fashion after losing against Manchester United comprehensively and following that up with a penalty shoot-out defeat against Liverpool during the UEFA Super Cup final and most recently with a lucky 1-1 draw against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.
“Rudiger, Ruben [Loftus-Cheek] will add to this, we’re talking about not having enough goalscorers… maybe he [Loftus-Cheek] can give something different” Cole said as quoted by The Mirror.
“So, yes, they are missing players. Willian has obviously been away. He looked a little bit rusty today.
“So, yes, they are missing players. Willian has obviously been away. He looked a little bit rusty today.
“Frank needs all these players sharp now. Yes, it’s only two games in but he’s already getting judged.
“So he’s going to have to be motivating these guys in a different way and say: ‘Hey, you better hurry up and start to get fit because I need you’.”
Frank Lampard’s charges were largely improved during the game against the Foxes; however, Brendan Rodgers’ side should really have won the game considering that James Maddison and Jamie Vardy were guilty of missing good chances for them during the second half. The result will no doubt raise serious questions about whether the Blues are capable of securing a top-four finish this season.
The Blues are currently having to make do without Antonio Rudiger and Loftus-Cheek who are recovering from injuries. Both players will likely receive a lot of first-team opportunities once they return. It is likely that Rudiger will also return back to being a first-choice central defender for the club considering that Kurt Zouma has been less than impressive so far.
Cole should come back to Chelsea in an advisory role
Cole confirmed his retirement from professional football earlier this week, aged 38. During the heyday of his career, the Englishman was regarded as being one of the best left-backs in the World. He should rejoin the Blues in a backroom staff capacity. Cole has vast experience playing at the highest level and could serve as a mentor to youngsters especially such as Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham.
Cole also gets along well with Blues boss Lampard. The duo were team-mates for many years at Stamford Bridge as well as through the England team. Cole’s last club also happened to be Derby County and the last manager that he played under was Lampard through the Rams.
