- One of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea transfer decisions has been questioned
- Blues winger Willian cannot understand why Ruben Loftus-Cheek was loaned out
- Willian says he hopes the youngster returns to Chelsea
- READ MORE: Chelsea criticised over Ruben Loftus-Cheek treatment
Chelsea winger Willian has pulled no punches in admitting his confusion at the Blues deciding to loan out Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Crystal Palace this summer.
The 21-year-old made quite an impression on his England debut against Germany last week, and Willian admits it’s clear he needs to come back to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea don’t have the best track record of handing chances to young players, with Loftus-Cheek just one of many departures of that kind this season.
Tammy Abraham and Kurt Zouma also went out on loan, while talented prospects such as Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake were sold on permanent deals.
Given how well former Chelsea cast-offs Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku have played for their major title rivals this season, it’s understandable that Willian may be concerned about Antonio Conte’s decision to also let Loftus-Cheek go, even if only temporarily.
‘I don’t know why he is at Crystal Palace now – he has to come back,’ Willian is quoted in the Metro.
‘A very good player. He is strong, he has quality. He has a great future.’
Chelsea have plenty of competition for places in midfield, but Loftus-Cheek may get his chance after an unconvincing start by summer signings Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater in that part of the pitch.