A midfield as packed as Chelsea’s in the Premier League, it is one of the most promisingly dangerous combinations on paper. Spearheaded by the general Cesc Fabregas, strongly withheld by John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic, spread across the flanks by Eden Hazard and Willian, released by the forward-moving force of Oscar. Nothing seems legitimately wrong in this compact shape of the Blues’ midfield. And of course, there is unrelenting support in the likes of young guns Bertrand Traore and highly-rated Ruben Loftus-Cheek as and when the highly-paid stars fail to deliver the goods in the center of the park.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has signed a five-year contract extension until 2021 with Chelsea, the Blues convinced the academy graduate to commit his future to the club by doubling his salary and making the midfielder a series of promises over first-team opportunities. The new five-year contract could see the 20-year-old midfielder earn upwards of £60,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge.
For what it’s worth, the youngster is more thrilled to know that Chelsea are willing to consider the young starlet to feature as a regular in the first team with a proper chance to shine at the Bridge. In order to secure Loftus-Cheek’s future at London after a not-so-cordial initial treatment by Jose Mourinho, Chelsea had to fight off potential interests from Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich who were really keen on negotiating a deal with the Englishman.
Although Antonio Conte is yet to be confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager, Loftus-Cheek has been assured by technical director Michael Emenalo that there is a plan in place to help his progression. Hiddink has also claimed that Loftus-Cheek will get more first-team opportunities between now and the end of the season.
Going by what has been said, here’s a conclusive reason as to why Chelsea should use Ruben Loftus-Cheek as their main man in the midfield from next season onwards:
- First of all, there is only one meaning that can be derived from the statement: You judge from whatever you behold.
So, in an instant rush of blood to the head, Hiddink must start Loftus-Cheek in every game from here on in as there remain only eight games to be played in the season. The more you get to see of the young midfielder, the more you get to analyze and the better you get to judge his game. - Pin-pointing Traore out, Loftus-Cheek is also 20 years old which implies an immense promise and a career that can be developed by a first-team regular to a matured top-class major general commanding the course of the ball like Cesc Fabregas’s game over the course of his stay at the club.
- The 6ft. 3″ midfielder has, criminally, only started one league game for Chelsea this season – his lack of appearances are a good example of just how little faith Mourinho placed on his youngsters – and, considering the dire early season form of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, Loftus-Cheek must be hugely frustrated.
- With Ramires’ move to China, the youngster must be given the opportunity to fill the void in the Blues’ midfield as he is the club’s brightest young starlet and in the upcoming matches he will have his crucial minutes to mark his presence for long. He also caught the manager’s eye during making a positive impact in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with West Ham when he had come for the final six minutes and had won the controversial spot kick from which Fabregas equalized in the 89th minute.
- Loftus-Cheek operates deeper in the midfield who would enjoy the occasional chance to influence the game higher up the pitch, giving him a sense of free-flowing attacking which is pivotal during the growing years of a young midfielder who could be the main man for the Blues in the future.
- He can fit into any midfield position and do justice to the player role assigned to him by the manager, “I don’t mind where I play at the moment. In time I will find my best suited position, so I’m not worried about that.” – Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Guus Hiddink admits that he thought the 20-year-old academy prospect was much older when he first saw him in training but has now given him a special programme to help him improve. Well, only promises great success in the times to come.
In the coming days, Conte must not only try Loftus-Cheek out in more and more matches, he should give him full autonomy to take over the reigns of the midfield behind general and possible skipper Cesc Fabregas as the main man in the Chelsea midfield next season. Hopefully, the authorities are listening!