Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is relishing the opportunity to play as an attacking midfielder in Maurizio Sarri’s system this season.
Loftus-Cheek, 22, enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign on loan to Crystal Palace last term, and the England international will be hoping he can cement a starting berth in Sarri’s starting XI this season.
The Italian tactician favours a central midfield trident, and Loftus-Cheek believes he could flourish under the new coach if deployed as the attacking component to his midfield.
He started on the bench during the Blues’ emphatic 3-0 opening Premier League victory over Huddersfield Town, but the academy graduate will be hoping to start against Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea bolstered their midfield armoury significantly this summer with the acquisitions of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, but Loftus-Cheek told the club’s official website that he will bring his best football this season if positioned as an attacking midfielder.
He said: “I’ve played in a few positions, mostly on the left of midfield 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.”
Loftus-Cheek: breakthrough season
After finding first-team opportunities scarce in west London, Loftus-Cheek relocated south of the River Thames to Crystal Palace for a season.
Under Roy Hodgson the 22-year-old thrived at Selhurst Park, often being deployed out wide, such is the versatility of the marauding midfielder.
In total, he made 24 appearances in the Premier League last term, including 21 starts, scoring two goals and assisting his teammates on three occasions.
His performances also caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate, who handed him his debut in November 2017. Since then he has amassed seven international caps, including four at the World Cup this summer.
The post Hopefully I can bring my best football to Chelsea admits Ruben Loftus-Cheek appeared first on Squawka News.
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