Thomas Tuchel urges Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek to focus and step up his game
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s semi-final clash against Crystal Palace as quoted by Football London, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has urged ‘gifted’ midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to focus and believe in his abilities. He believes the player has what it takes to make it big at the top level.
The 26-year-old English midfielder has long been very highly rated at Stamford Bridge however his time in the first team has been far from ideal. Loftus-Cheek has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form has prevented him from becoming the player he was expected to.
Despite playing 31 games this season for Tuchel, his performances have oscillated from frustrating to exhilarating, which has made it very difficult to judge the kind of season that he is having. After impressing against both Real Madrid and Southampton, the player is in contention to start the game against Crystal Palace.
Speaking about the player’s form and his ability, Tuchel opined that the English midfielder is a naturally gifted player but needs to start believing in himself.
“It was so promising, but it was always like, will he have his breakthrough? So for him, it’s crucial, crucial, crucial to focus on the very day he is in. It can be a huge distraction to think a week ahead, two weeks ahead, or a month ahead about what can be. He has everything that it takes. He needs to trust himself. With him, it’s not overconfidence with him, it’s the opposite.”
Believe?
Throughout his time in the first-team setup at Chelsea, RLC as he is popularly known continues to divide opinion. Given his performances this season, it is clear to see why.
Loftus-Cheek’s time at the Bridge has certainly not turned out to be the way we initially hoped for when the academy graduate got promoted to the first team. Injuries and competition have often proved to be a roadblock which has been the case this time around as well.
Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho have prevented Loftus-Cheek from becoming a regular starter for us. With the likes of Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour set to return from their loan deals, things could get even more difficult for him next season.
However, there is no denying the potential and the ability the man possesses. At 26, he is still fairly young and deserves to get an extended run in a team to showcase his true abilities.
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If the Englishman does answer Tuchel’s call, starts believing and delivering on a consistent basis, it may not be too late for Loftus-Cheek to revive what has to this point been a rather underwhelming career.