Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has called on Ruben Loftus-Cheek to push on and realise his full potential after his impressive performance against Malmo in the Champions League last night.
The 25-year-old has been in and out of the first team this season, but he has performed when afforded the chance by Tuchel, and the German says the midfielder only needs to find consistency in order to become a top player:
“He wants to dominate opponents, not just to be a part of the game because I think he is too talented to just be a part of the group. He needs to use his full potential, this is the absolute key for him and if he does it, he can be a big part of the squad and that is why I am very happy.”
“He was involved in a lot of dangerous moments for us and I am happy he pushes himself through these little downs like in the first 15 minutes then comes up with a strong performance. The next step is to show consistently and to push himself because his limit can be constantly pushed, he has so much potential.”
Tuchel is right to lay down the gauntlet to Loftus-Cheek. With his physicality and technical ability, he has it in him to be an absolute monster, especially if he imposes his game on opponents. The challenge is to do that for a full 90 minutes.
Of course, it won’t be easy to become a regular starter in Chelsea’s midfield, especially with N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in the squad but, with Loftus-Cheek now reaching his prime years, it is pretty much now or never in terms of making his breakthrough at the London club.
