Chelsea star’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain

Ruben Loftus-cheek has yet to report to pre-season training with Chelsea after his World Cup exploits – is it time the Englishman moved on?

Loftus-Cheek played a bit-part role with England in Russia at The World Cup, however, he was impressive whenever called upon and looked comfortable playing at the highest level.

At 22 years of age, the midfielder is still developing, but he has already proved himself as an accomplished and supremely talented professional.

A product of the youth system, the youngster has spent his entire career so far with Chelsea, although he did spend last season out on loan with fellow London club Crystal Palace.

During his time at Selhurst Park, Loftus Cheek emerged as one of the team’s most influential player’s with his commanding displays in the middle of the park. He made 24 appearances for The Eagles and was an integral part of the Starting XI as Roy Hodgson’s side managed to avoid relegation last term.

His performances earned him a call-up to the senior England Squad and he did his reputation no harm whatsoever in Russia. In fact, his stock has never been higher and now he may face a career-defining decision during the current transfer window.

Does he stay with The Blues and fight for a place in new manager Maurizio Sarri’s squad? Or does he cut his losses and join another Premier League side in search of regular first-team football?

Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot believes the former and has stated that now is the time for the club to hand Loftus Cheek his opportunity to shine.

Speaking to Talk Sport, the ex-Dutch international said: “This guy has shown on the world stage that he can play with the best and against the best and can perform.

“He needs to get an opportunity at Chelsea.

“If he can go somewhere else and make it to England’s World Cup squad, having played in the same league as Chelsea and against the same players Chelsea are playing against…

“He performed well on loan and made it to the national team!

“So why doesn’t he get the opportunity at Chelsea? I think it’s about time someone looks at that.”

It is difficult to disagree with Melchiot’s comments, however, is there any room in Sarri’s midfield for the England starlet?

At the moment the answer is a resounding yes, considering Chelsea’s disappointing campaign last season. Throughout the year The Blues lacked creativity in midfield and struggled to create as many chances as they had done during their title-winning triumph just 12 months earlier.

Jorginho joined Sarri in moving to Stamford Bridge from Napoli and he should slot nicely into the Italian’s 4-3-3 system if Chelsea’s latest pre-season game is anything to go by.

Having said that, the Italy international is more of quarter-back type player that dictates the tempo of games and feeds more advanced teammates. Loftus-Cheek has the ability to drive forward at the opposition and play the killer final pass to unlock defences.

You could almost compare him to Paul Pogba at Manchester United, in the way that they are both physically imposing, creative and technically proficient. The Frenchman is revered as one of the world’s finest midfielders and perhaps if he’s given the chance, Loftus-Cheek could one day enjoy a similar status.

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Kante will likely join Jorginho in the middle of the park for Chelsea next season but that third midfield spot is very much up for grabs. Cesc Fabregas and Ross Barkley are obvious rivals for the position but the former is approaching the twilight of his career and the latter still flatters to deceive at the top level.

Melchiot finished by saying: “If he doesn’t take his chance, then that’s a different issue. Then you’ve got to sell him and it’s over.

“But they need to at least give him a chance.”

If Chelsea does not sign another midfielder this summer then there is a place in the team begging for a man like Loftus-Cheek to fill it and the club must give him the opportunity to prove his worth. If not, then his abilities are best served elsewhere because a talent as rare as his must not go to waste.