Thomas Tuchel hints at Chelsea future for loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Speaking on the eve of the game against Fulham, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on the future of loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is currently with the Cottagers. (h/t Daily Star)
Loftus-Cheek was heralded as one of the best players to come through the academy ranks when he broke through into the first-team in 2014. Since then, the midfielder has gone to make 82 senior appearances for the club but hasn’t been able to nail down a starting berth for himself.
Loftus-Cheek made a solid impression during his loan stint at Crystal Palace during the 2017/18 campaign and did well back at Chelsea in the subsequent season. However, a serious injury meant he missed almost the entirety of the 2019/20 term before moving to Fulham on loan in 2020/21, having seen the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and summer signing Kai Havertz be ahead of him in the pecking order.
Since joining the Cottagers, the 25-year-old has shown glimpses of his ability but hasn’t made the sort of impression that would make everyone stand up and take notice. With the end of the season approaching his future at Chelsea will become a topic of discussion yet again.
And manager Tuchel has revealed that he used to be an admirer of Loftus-Cheek, likening him to former Blues midfielder Michael Ballack, thus opening the doors for the 25-year-old to have a future at the Bridge.
“He reminded me a little bit in his style of play and movement of Michael Ballack. There were some links about him moving to Germany – we were well aware of him. I was quite a fan of him when he was even younger and he came through the academy and started playing professional football.
“I love to work with players but I need a direct impression and we don’t have that yet. I don’t know what his ideas are or what the club are thinking. We haven’t made a decision yet.”
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In 30 games this term, Loftus-Cheek has managed just one goal. However, with Tuchel being an admirer, there is a good chance that the 25-year-old gets an opportunity to stake a claim in the first-team setup for next season.