Last week, there were reports suggesting that West Ham United are considering a move for Chelsea’s midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The rumour has gained steam as both parties are currently in negotiations over a deal in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Express.
It’s another tale of a promising youngster who has struggled for game time under a big club. Last term, the 20-year-old enjoyed a fair crack of the whip under Jose Mourinho with 17 appearances in all competition and the fans were hoping that the home-grown player will have more opportunities to cement his spot in the first team this season. On contrary, since the appointment of Antonio Conte from Juventus, Loftus-Cheek was given massive playing time in the pre-season, surprisingly as a striker. And once the campaign kicked off, the 20-year-old only remained in the roots of the selection bundle, particularly after the 3-4-3 formation shift that turned them into title contenders once again. Having the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Oscar and John Obi Mikel warming on the bench, it even narrowed down his chances to feature as a substitute.
Nevertheless, The Blues rate him really high, thus nothing more than a season-long loan deal can be expected. Despite the end of Mourinho’s era, the club signed a five-year contract worth around than £40,000 a week with the youngster back in February.
The successful Cobham graduate, who started as an Under-8 is strong, quick, has good dribbling skills and an eye for a pass in the final third. Besides that, his athletic frame that resembles like Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, makes him a solid capture for teams who are not willing to splurge ample of money. No wonder why he has easily forced his way into Slaven Bilic’s thinking.
West Ham United are currently toying between poor performances and series of injuries. They dreadfully sit 17th on the league table, only one point above the relegation zone. Last weekend, they were robbed of a victory in the closing stages at White Hart Lane thanks to Harry Kane’s brace. Loftus-Cheek previously did feature against West Ham in the League Cup Round of 16 yet Bilic’s side progressed to the next stage of the tournament.
Loftus-Cheek’s versatility would be pivotal for West Ham yet over the years, he’s been utilised in various positions and none was downright stamped as his. Ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink and former England under-21 manager Gareth Southgate both employed him as a number 10 and he did make an impression too. Judging the current situation, Bilic might offer him a deeper or central role, a position that earned him good reputation during the youth ranks.
Whatever the position may be, Loftus-Cheek would see this possible move as an influential platform to revitalise his Chelsea career.
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