English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (R) scores his hat-trick and his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group L football match between Chelsea and Bate Borisov at Stamford Bridge in London on October 25, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t The Independent), Gary Neville believes Chelsea will cash in on midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek for around £25million.
This comes after the player failed to impress against Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday.
Loftus-Cheek started the game in the number 10 position. However, he failed to connect with Timo Werner and struggled to make much of an impact at the Amex.
“I thought, Loftus-Cheek, he’s been given his chance.”
The 24-year-old was a promising talent who looked to be on the cusp of breaking out under Maurizio Sarri. Unfortunately, an Achilles injury derailed his development, sidelining him for more than a year.
Loftus-Cheek is keen to recapture the form that made him stand out, but has so far struggled since his return. Neville believes Chelsea could be ready to move him on, despite there being four more years to go on his current contract.
“I don’t think Loftus-Cheek can complain. He’s been given games.”
“I don’t think he’s ever grasped his chance yet. There’s going to come a point when they’re going to cash in and get £25million for him.”
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard however took a different tune after the game. He backed the midfielder while also expressing his belief that Loftus-Cheek will provide him with a number of options in the games to come.
He hinted at the long injury and the lockdown having affected the player’s levels. It is not easy coming back from lengthy injuries, and selling him is unlikely to do us any favours.
With the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic currently out, the 24-year-old could find more opportunities to impress in the coming weeks.
Loftus-Cheek has been at Chelsea since 2004. He has made 82 appearances for the club so far, scoring 12 goals and assisting 11. (h/t Transfermarkt)
While his statistics are impressive for a midfielder, with new competition comes new expectations. Chelsea have added well in the market. With the bar suddenly raised, Loftus-Cheek has to perform or see himself overtaken by more deserving players.
Only time can tell if he will reach his potential at Chelsea.
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