Submitted by content on Sat, 09/08/2018 - 08:12
Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is seeking to make the attacking midfield position his own after coming on as a substitute during the Blues’ 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town. The England international has made good strides since his season-long loan with Crystal Palace last term and he was most-recently part of the Three Lions squad which reached the semi-final of the World Cup.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Loftus-Cheek admitted that he is most comfortable playing as the advanced midfielder in the 4-3-3 formation and he is prepared to work hard to achieve the role with the west London giants, he said: “I’ve played in a few positions, mostly on the left of midfield [at Palace] last season. Playing in a 4-3-3 in an attacking midfield position is kind of my position really, my suited position, so hopefully I can bring my best football to the team.
“The boys are working really hard trying to understand how the boss wants us to play, on and off the ball, and it will only get better. I have just got to work hard, try and play my best football, and try and get as much time on the pitch as possible. So for me it’s just a case of getting my head down, working hard, trying to understand the manager’s tactics and going from there.”
During“ the opening game, Sarri went with the combination of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, and Ross Barkley “for the midfield positions with the former surprisingly getting the nod to push further up the field. However, as the season goes on, the Italian may have to rethink his strategy and Barkley appears the most likely of the trio to make way for changes.
Aside from Loftus-Cheek, there is plenty of competition for the position with Cesc Fabregas, Mateo Kovacic and Danny Drinkwater waiting on the wings but the latter appears likely to head on loan before the transfer window closes overseas. Drinkwater is presently of interest to German side Schalke 04.