Chelsea

Forgotten Chelsea loanee offered glimmer of hope by Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel hints at Chelsea future for loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Speaking on the eve of the game against Fulham, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on the future of loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is currently with the Cottagers. (h/t Daily Star)

Loftus-Cheek was heralded as one of the best players to come through the academy ranks when he broke through into the first-team in 2014. Since then, the midfielder has gone to make 82 senior appearances for the club but hasn’t been able to nail down a starting berth for himself.

Loftus-Cheek made a solid impression during his loan stint at Crystal Palace during the 2017/18 campaign and did well back at Chelsea in the subsequent season. However, a serious injury meant he missed almost the entirety of the 2019/20 term before moving to Fulham on loan in 2020/21, having seen the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and summer signing Kai Havertz be ahead of him in the pecking order.

Loftus-Cheek struggled with injuries last season

Since joining the Cottagers, the 25-year-old has shown glimpses of his ability but hasn’t made the sort of impression that would make everyone stand up and take notice. With the end of the season approaching his future at Chelsea will become a topic of discussion yet again.

And manager Tuchel has revealed that he used to be an admirer of Loftus-Cheek, likening him to former Blues midfielder Michael Ballack, thus opening the doors for the 25-year-old to have a future at the Bridge.

“He reminded me a little bit in his style of play and movement of Michael Ballack. There were some links about him moving to Germany – we were well aware of him. I was quite a fan of him when he was even younger and he came through the academy and started playing professional football.

“I love to work with players but I need a direct impression and we don’t have that yet. I don’t know what his ideas are or what the club are thinking. We haven’t made a decision yet.”

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is currently out on loan at Fulham

More Chelsea News:

In 30 games this term, Loftus-Cheek has managed just one goal. However, with Tuchel being an admirer, there is a good chance that the 25-year-old gets an opportunity to stake a claim in the first-team setup for next season.

Raghav Goudar

Recent Posts

Fan Power: How Chelsea Fans Could Stop Stamford Bridge Move

Ask any matchday Chelsea fan who the CPO are, and they’ll tell you that it stands for the Chelsea Pitch…

2 weeks ago

Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of €427,308 per week striker

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a signing move for the Juventus Center forward in winter.

2 weeks ago

Former Arsenal star raves about Chelsea’s midfield maestro

Cole Palmer is taking the headlines for the performances he has been putting in since moving to Chelsea in the…

4 weeks ago

Chelsea alarmed by unfolding situation with 17-year-old signing

Chelsea have received an alarming news on their signing Kendry Paez who is likely to join the club next year.

1 month ago

Chelsea ready to move for Brazilian defender with €70 million. release clause

According to a Brazilian news outlet UOL, Chelsea are trying to sign the young Brazilian JP Chermont from Santos.

1 month ago

“We need him”- Maresca ready to reintegrate out of favour Chelsea star

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has cleared the club's stand on the left-back Ben Chilwell who stands on the brink of…

1 month ago