Tall, versatile and powerful – these are some key traits required in any midfielder looking to make their name in the Premier League. Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek has all that in abundance. However, what the 22-year-old hasn’t managed to do yet is get his break in the English top-flight with appearances under new manager Maurizio Sarri coming far and few.
The English international has made the most of all his chances so far, even scoring a hattrick in the Europa League. But that isn’t enough for a youngster who is also looking to break into Gareth Southgate’s England team. To that end, making just 13 appearances isn’t enough.
With the Daily Mail reporting that West Ham United are interested in a potential move, should Ruben Loftus-Cheek start thinking about his future away from Stamford Bridge?
That’s something only he can answer but the question for Manuel Pellegrini to ask is will he be the right fit at West Ham? The answer to that is a resounding yes. With Jack Wilshere being injury prone and losing his abilities with every visit to the physio’s bed, Loftus-Cheek is the perfect replacement.
Not only is the 22-year-old tall and strong but he’s also got silky feet and is surprisingly fast for a player that tall. Quite similar to Frank Lampard, Loftus-Cheek is an excellent all-around midfielder and has the ability to play across the field. But it’s his brilliance in the final third that adds to his value and his eye for goal has already been on display, with the six goals in 13 appearances so far for Chelsea this season.
However, what may prove to be a road-block for Pellegrini is the fact that the midfielder wants to fight for his place at Chelsea. In a recent interview with the Guardian, Loftus-Cheek revealed:
“My mindset is when I get the opportunity to play, whether it is the Europa League or Premier League, I have got to do my best and try and make stuff happen.
I am here right now, I am at Chelsea and I want to focus on helping the team. When I am on the pitch I can’t have any negative thoughts when I am in and around the team because it will affect the team. So my head right now is on playing for Chelsea and learning Sarri’s way.”
Read More: Chelsea offloading these two flops should be an absolute no-brainer for Sarri in January – Agreed?
But if Chelsea are willing and Ruben Loftus-Cheek is willing, there is no reason why Manuel Pellegrini and West Ham shouldn’t make a move for the midfielder. His talent combined with his work-rate and willingness to prove himself will be useful in their fight for a Europa League spot.
