![By joshjdss (Chelsea Vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/50f3fbddf0f1ff47239d1edd663eb0f5668a85f02be0045d4747d67735fd18c7.jpg "By joshjdss (Chelsea Vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
Chelsea FC boss Guus Hiddink praised youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek after he bagged a vital goal in the club’s victory over Scunthorpe United earlier today.
Chelsea took care of business this afternoon as they defeated Scunthorpe United 2-0 in a FA Cup Third Round tie. Goals from Diego Costa and Ruben Loftus-Cheek secured the Blues’ progression as a strong team selection by Guus Hiddink yielded the required reward.
Speaking after the final whistle, the interim Chelsea manager praised the younger of the two goalscorers, complimenting both his finish and his versatility as a player in general.
"Ruben came on and scored a beautiful goal not just in the execution but in the way he prepared himself for that goal. If you play a midfield with one controlling defensive midfielder and two running players he can play on either side. If you play two controlling midfielders he can play higher up the field."
More chelsea fc: Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola Or Jose Mourinho: Who Have You Got?
Blues fans have been pining for his utilisation for some time now, believing that the 19-year-old is more than ready for substantial first-team football. This sentiment only grew in strength as Chelsea continually put in awful performances earlier in the campaign.
However, Jose Mourinho was reluctant to use the midfielder and Guus Hiddink appeared to be following down the same path.
Chelsea supporters finally got what they wanted when Loftus-Cheek replaced Oscar at half-time earlier today. While the Blues hadn’t been particularly poor during the first period, the extra pace and hunger that the Englishman brought was still evident in the second 45.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
Furthermore, as is often the case in such situations, Loftus-Cheek hit the back of the net to double Chelsea’s lead and seal the win. To say that the fans felt vindicated at that point would be an understatement.
While he has thus far been used sparingly, Hiddink’s comments suggest that he may feature more regularly as the season progresses. Having proven his quality in a competitive scenario, any fears on behalf of the boss may be now somewhat suppressed.
Loftus- Cheek’s versatility, meanwhile, has sometimes been held up as a drawback. Pundits have claimed that his best position is as of yet undefined and that he needs to focus on a particular role if he wants to become a great player. His employment in an advanced position this afternoon confirms sentiments that he is more effective further up the field.
However, Hiddink’s comments are refreshing as he seems to be embracing the Englishman’s undetermined role. While Loftus-Cheek continues to develop, the boss appears willing to use him in a few different spots before confining the midfielder to a particular position.
The youngster needs playing time at the moment and his versatility only makes it more likely.
Next: Chelsea FC: Top 10 Oscar Goals
All quotes taken from chelseafc.com.