Chelsea FC 2016/17 Player Preview: Ruben Loftus-Cheek
With under two weeks until Chelsea kicks off its 2016/17 Premier League season, it’s time to look ahead to what we can expect to see – and what Antonio Conte needs to see – from the Blues. First up: midfielder-inexplicably-turned-striker Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has long been touted as the “next John Terry” – an academy product who becomes a Chelsea starting XI regular. Maybe even a one-club man.
Loftus-Cheek showed flashes of brilliance when he was given a chance under Guus Hiddink last season. Like any young player, he also showed where he needed to improve to realise his full potential. Antonio Conte’s commitment to youth development and integrating homegrown players into the first team bodes well for Loftus-Cheek’s career.
Hiddink deployed Loftus-Cheek in central midfield alongside Nemanja Matic or John Obi Mikel (as he was known then). Loftus-Cheek came up through the youth ranks in midfield, and prefers playing in the center of the pitch. He maintains a balance between his attack and defensive play, adept at regaining the ball in the midfield while also make darting runs into the attacking third.
Hiddink used a 4-2-3-1 formation, which Antonio Conte already discarded. Conte has experimented with Loftus-Cheek in the friendlies by deploying him as a forward in a 4-2-4/4-4-2 formation. Loftus-Cheek slotted in just behind Diego Costa or alongside another striker, like Bertrand Traore against Liverpool.
Loftus-Cheek was visibly uncomfortable in the forward position. He thrives in deeper positions where he will see more of the ball rather than playing off it.
Conte clearly sees something in him, hence his persistence in this so-far fruitless experiment. Loftus-Cheek’s career to date indicates that his true potential lies in his preferred central midfield.
Conte’s 4-3-3 (diamond) would be a preferable formation to restore Loftus-Cheek to central midfield. He is young and can cover ground as well as N’Golo Kante and Matic, which will help Chelsea control the midfield and regain possession. This arrangement will also protect Cesc Fabregas, giving him the space to play out the attack with a long pass.
Guus Hiddink at times experimented with playing Loftus Cheek in a Number 10 position and the young Englishman played well in that role. He has the height, balance and eye for a pass that alows him to excel as a Number 10. He has the ability to play intricate passes and move efficiently in small spaces. With continued development, Loftus-Cheek becomes Chelsea’s leading candidate for the Number 10 position.
Loftus-Cheek will likely start the season as a part of a 3-4-3 formation which will turn into 3-3-1-3. Loftus Cheek would play as the attacking midfielder behind the front three.
In this way, he will have three players in front of him to whom he can deliver incisive passes for attack. On defence, he can join the other three behind him to form a 4-man midfield. This would choke the middle of the pitch to arrest the opponents’ attack.
Hiddink’s decision to play Loftus-Cheek as central attacking midfielder opened up new areas for the youngster to explore. Antonio Conte would do well to continue that opportunity.
Conte is apparently preparing Loftus-Cheek for a more attacking role in the new season. If Conte is willing to experiment with Loftus-Cheek as a striker, it is will within the realm of possibility that Conte will try him at attacking midfielder.
Ruben-Loftus Cheek has two necessary tasks to become a regular in the starting XI. He must develop his game in the position he wants to play and adapt to Conte’s system. If he can fulfill those two missions, he will secure his position in the first team and fully assume John Terry’s homegrown mantle.