Chelsea manager Graham Potter impressed with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, weighs up on his World Cup chances with England
Speaking to the media ahead of the game against RB Salzburg (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter revealed how impressed he has been with midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and also offered his verdict on whether the player is pushing for a spot in the England World Cup squad.
With injuries in midfield, Loftus-Cheek has been able to get regular minutes, especially under Potter. He has done well and is finally showing the consistency all the Chelsea fans have been hoping for.
The 26-year-old made 24 league appearances last season, but some of them were from the bench. This time around, he has made 11 appearances, nine of them coming from the start. So, there has been an upturn in his game-starting percentage this year.
Talking about the player’s impressive form and chances of getting selected in the England squad, here’s Potter (h/t Football.London):
“He has really impressed me on and off the pitch. A very humble guy who wants to learn and improve. He’s benefitted from game time but the way he has trained has been really good.”
“He clearly needs a good fitness level to carry his body around the pitch but the quality is there. He is putting himself into the situation that he is one of the players Gareth is looking at for sure.”
England could have a slot in midfield open. Kalvin Phillips, who was a regular alongside Declan Rice in a double pivot during the Euros, is currently injured and hasn’t played much since his move from Leeds United to Manchester City in the summer.
The form of Jordan Henderson is not that great either. So, a player like Loftus-Cheek, who can operate in a three or a double pivot with three centre-backs behind, can be a viable option for Gareth Southgate.
Moreover, the 26-year-old was part of the English squad that reached the semi-final of the previous World Cup in Russia. He made four appearances in that tournament. But, the last appearance he made for the national team was in November 2018 against the USA.
Since then, a lot has changed and the player has developed himself very well. So, he should be in the reckoning to fly to Qatar. Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount, and Raheem Sterling would also fancy their chances to make the Three Lions squad. Reece James’ situation will be a touch-and-go after his latest injury against AC Milan.
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For now, though, Loftus-Cheek needs to focus on delivering performances for Chelsea and let his football do the talking for Southgate to have no choice but to select him in the squad. This is the perfect time to be making the most of your opportunities, given how close the showpiece event in Qatar is now.