Ruben Loftus-Cheek in action for England against Nigeria. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Speaking to Talksport Radio (h/t Football.London), former England defender Stuart Pearce does not see Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek going to the World Cup with England.
Pearce is still waiting for the 26-year-old’s best years to come, and he wants more goals and assists from the player who generally plays in the central or attacking midfield position.
Loftus-Cheek has been in decent form this season without really doing anything extraordinary. He has been consistent with his performances and filled up a big hole in midfield with the injury to N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic not being able to start every game due to niggles.
Talking about the 26-year-old’s meek chances of making it in the England squad, here’s Pearce (h/t Football.London):
“I think, all things being equal, probably not [getting into the England squad]. You’ve got to bear in mind it’s a 26-man squad, there will be injuries and he’s playing for one of the top clubs in this country. If someone said to me what Loftus-Cheek is as a player, I would say he’s an attacking midfield player.
“With that, you’ve got to couple that with assists and goals. I don’t think he delivers enough goals for what he is. He’s got a certain talent. I’m still waiting for the best years of Ruben to come.”
Since the start of last season, Loftus-Cheek has zero goals and three assists in 35 league appearances. It is not enough for a player who plays in central midfield and sometimes as an attacking midfielder or a winger too.
Back in April, former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was stern with his evaluation of the player, saying the World Cup should be the last thing on his mind. The German also went on to say that the 26-year-old does not know how good he can be. Here’s what the former boss said (h/t Daily Mail):
“I don’t want to ruin his mood but I think the last thing Ruben needs right now is to think about the World Cup, because given his history, coming through the academy, going many times, many times here.
I don’t think he is fully aware of what he can produce, what he can physically give. He is still in the situation where he accepts limits too early. He is used to that and this is where we are.”
That’s two high-profile people wanting more from Loftus-Cheek. Truth be told, it could be an ideal time for him to finish the first half of this season on a high and not focus much on getting selected for the England squad.
He has all the attributes, as alluded to by Tuchel as well. He can be a great ball carrier, is a good passer of the ball, is physically and aerially strong, and can make the odd runs in the box from midfield. Age is not an excuse anymore. AT 26, footballers should be at the peak of their powers delivering performances at a high level consistently.
Generally, Graham Potter is very good at getting the best out of the players who are at the fringes of things. Loftus-Cheek has done reasonably well so far under him. More of that would be needed this season and beyond.
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