Names as hallowed as N’golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Jorginho, and Mateo Kovacic are all vying for a place in Chelsea’s midfield trident; however, they also face stiff competition from an in form English duo.
Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley made his return to the international scene earlier this month; but his presence wasn’t enough to avenge England’s World Cup defeat against Croatia and a dearth of creativity and penetration again seemed to be The Three Lion’s major vice.
Since then, however, the midfielder has been as hot as the hinges on hell’s gates. Barkley was instrumental in England’s historic win on Spanish soil. In a proactive performance he always looked to take it forward and a stunning chipped through ball to Harry Kane led to Raheem Sterling’s second.
He followed that up with a 96th minute equalizer against Manchester United. Although only brought on with 22 minutes to go, Barkley managed 26 touches and stole the headlines from a swashbuckling encounter (well he would have if Mourinho had stayed in his seat).
The Blues then ran out 4-0 winners against Burnley last weekend, largely thanks to the midfielder’s magisterial display. He scored his third goal in as many games and notched two assists – leading Sarri to call him a ‘complete player.’
Still only 24 years-of-age, Barkley could be the man to provide England with that extra sprinkle of star dust should they find themselves in the latter stages of a major tournament in the future.
Ruben Loftus Cheek
Southgate is a huge fan of Loftus Cheek and spurned more established names such as Jack Wilshere to bring him to Russia last summer. After an impressive cameo appearance in the opening match, Southgate lauded the youngster but added that ‘he probably needs to add goals to his game to become a more complete midfield player.’
And that’s exactly what he’s done. Gareth must have been giddy watching the midfielder hit the back of the net four times in the last week and you can be sure if England played tonight he would be in the starting eleven.
The narrative remains that Loftus Cheek needs to move away from Stamford Bridge in order to reach his potential. It’s true he needs minutes; but developing in Sarri’s free-flowing system and rubbing shoulders with the likes of passing supreme Jorginho will only take his game to new levels.
But the youngster will have no shortage of potential suitors and leaving Chelsea for more regular football doesn’t always turn out to be a bad thing – just look at Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, and Nathan Ake.
Loftus Cheek will almost definitely start against Derby County tonight – as he should against BATE next week – and you can be sure Gareth will be keeping a close eye on the player he already knows so well and rates so highly.