Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored a brace for England’s U-21’s in a 4-0 win over Denmark. He then needlessly reminded the world that he has been short on playing time at Chelsea.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek opened and closed the scoring for the Young Lions in their friendly against Denmark. He added an assist on Solly March’s goal for a commanding 90 minute performance. Loftus-Cheek was the only Chelsea player in the starting XI. Tammy Abraham came on in the 74′, while Nathaniel Chalobah and Lewis Baker spent the day on the bench.
After the game, Loftus-Cheek noted how enjoyable it was to have such a strong, full-game performance in light of how little playing time he has had at Chelsea.
"I really enjoyed it. I haven’t played much for my club so it is important for me to work hard and try to get my sharpness when I come away with England. – BT Sport"
Loftus-Cheek is the second Chelsea player in the last few days to make a statement that leaves the listener asking “Why? What’s the point of saying that?” Kurt Zouma said “A loan before the World Cup? Why not. We’ll see at the end of the season” in an interview that spawned a thousand takes.
Both players spoke honestly, perhaps impulsively. On the one hand, we should appreciate their unfiltered answers and the insight it provides into their mindset at this juncture of their career. In a few years, they will be giving the same anodyne responses that professionals in all sports (among other walks of life) recite by rote.
But on the other hand, seriously, what good do they think this will accomplish? Perhaps they envision Antonio Conte is in his office, sweating over his lineups, calling Michael Emenalo about prospective transfers. Conte turns on BT Sport, sees Loftus-Cheek’s interview and says “Oh! —- me, I totally forgot about Ruben! Never mind, Michael, we’re covered for the next few years.”
If anything, Conte’s response would probably be along the lines of “What, you don’t think I know this??” Developing young players and building Chelsea’s academy-to-first-team pipeline is one of Conte’s primary tasks. Conte wants Chelsea to be able to solve their personnel needs in-house, and not on the transfer market.
But before he can do that – in order for him to be able to do that – he first has to win games. And, at this point in his season, he has to win a Premier League title and possibly an FA Cup. Nobody is more acutely aware of this progression than Antonio Conte. Matches first. Trophies second. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kurt Zouma, Nathaniel Chalobah and the rest come third.
Next: Michy Batshuayi: The curious case of Chelsea's most-neglected transfer
Ruben Loftus-Cheek did the best thing he could for his playing time at Chelsea: he scored a brace and an assist in a complete game. He should have quit while he was ahead.