Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has sounded out the position he hopes to fill in Maurizio Sarri’s plans this season.
The Italian tactician arrived to replace compatriot Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge this summer, and as seen at Empoli and Napoli, he has a preferred system and style of play that he likes to adopt.
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It’s brought mixed results for the Blues so far after defeat to Man City for the Community Shield, although they did impress in their 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town in their opening Premier League game of the season.
Naturally, they will improve with more time working under Sarri, while he’ll hope that summer recruits Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic see their influence grow as they seemingly fit his ideas and style perfectly.
However, Loftus-Cheek will be desperate to kick on and establish himself at Stamford Bridge now having impressed at Crystal Palace on loan as well as with England.
The 22-year-old made 24 appearances for the Eagles last season, and so he’ll be hopeful that he isn’t relegated back to a bit-part role off the bench on his return to Chelsea. In fact, he has a specific role in mind this year that he believes can bring the best out of him.
“I’ve played in a few positions, mostly on the left of midfield last season,” he told the club’s official site. “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.”
The talent is undoubtedly there, now Loftus-Cheek just needs consistent playing time, faith from his coach and to prove his worth when he gets an opportunity and he could have a big season ahead at Chelsea.