The Pride of London
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Chelsea’s all-time loan army hall of fame, shame, honour and infamy

By The Pride of London Staff

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Joshua McEachran (C) of Chelsea in action against Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.on semi final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 10, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Joshua McEachran (C) of Chelsea in action against Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.on semi final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 10, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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4. Ruben Loftus-Cheek – Charlie Dawson

Ruben Loftus-Cheek could finally get his first start for the England’s senior team this international break, after dominant displays in the youth teams from the U16’s through to the U21’s.

Loftus-Cheek has managed just under a goal every other game since the U19’s and has dominated at every level due to his power, size and technical ability. But has yet to fulfill his promise for Chelsea’s and England’s senior team.

This season Ruben Loftus-Cheek has found himself at the almost record breaking (731 minutes without a goal until they played Chelsea) Crystal Palace, where he has been a shining light in an overall dim team. While at Palace, Loftus-Cheek has become the main attacking outlet, driving the ball up the pitch and creating chances through sheer will and power if nothing else.

Loftus-Cheek played seven of 11 Premier League games so far this season, creating chances each game, which the likes of Christian Benteke almost always fail to convert. Loftus-Cheek has a ludicrously high potential, but has often failed to convince in a Chelsea a first team shirt. Critics often state that he lacks effort and desire on the pitch to succeed. Loftus-Cheek must rise to the N’Golo Kante level of tenacity and drive, a player who proves energy and effort can achieve more than any natural gifts.

Should Ruben Loftus-Cheek continue his development in the Premier League, work hard for the team, and do what is asked of him, then the Chelsea man will no doubt be an excellent Premier League player for years to come.

England need a two-way midfielder capable of carrying the ball, winning battles and linking the defence and attack. Currently England’s only real options are Danny Drinkwater, Harry Winks, and more one-dimensional midfielders like Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier. England need Ruben Loftus-Cheek to be the player he has promised to be. The space is there for him. He just needs to prove he deserves the spot, and live up to his own hype.

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