Chelsea: Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be the striker hiding in plain sight

With a lack of reliable strikers on the Chelsea roster, Frank Lampard could turn to his young midfielder if everything else fails.

Ever since the departure of Diego Costa, Chelsea have been searching for that clinical striker. With a transfer ban in place, Chelsea are stuck with three underwhelming options: Olivier Giroud, Michy Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham.

Each of them comes with a cloud of uncertainty. Abraham got the starting nod at Old Trafford and looked shaky at times, leaving the pitch with more unanswered questions. Frank Lampard knows what he’s getting in Giroud and Batshuayi, so what happens if Abraham doesn’t pan out?

Lampard could go in a different direction, picking the brain of former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. To begin the 2016/17 season, Conte deployed Loftus-Cheek at a striker due to his blend of size, speed, clinical finishing ability and hold-up skills. While he seldom played the part, it’s worth revisiting the Italian’s idea if none of the three strikers find success by the time Loftus-Cheek returns from injury.

The idea, albeit outlandish, isn’t too far-fetched. With the talent Chelsea currently possesses in attacking midfield (Ross Barkley, Mason Mount), it would benefit Lampard to squeeze Loftus-Cheek into the line-up without removing his compatriots.

That’s not to say Loftus-Cheek isn’t more talented than Barkley or Mount – it’s just another way to fit him in. This would be especially effective in a 4-3-2-1 system.

Lampard’s strikers often receive the ball around midfield and make darting runs up the pitch after holding the ball and passing it off to a nearby midfielder or winger. Loftus-Cheek is arguably the best on the team at this particular skill. Look no further than his performance last season to see his lethal striking ability when on the ball within 20 yards of goal. It would be easy for Loftus-Cheek to find himself in those spots under this particular system.

His chemistry with Callum Hudson-Odoi and the rapport the duo has makes them deadly when in the right positions. Christian Pulisic would combine to make Loftus-Cheek more comfortable playing alone up top in the No. 9 role.

Previously, Conte had complemented Loftus-Cheek with Diego Costa. Adding another striker alongside Loftus-Cheek could work, as well. However, having two wingers in the attack would suit his style of play more.

This formation would need to be put to the test against a mid-table to bottom half club. The Blues would have to give Loftus-Cheek his trial run as a striker in smaller matches where they play to control possession and tempo.

As absurd as the idea seems, it could work and it takes no more than one fantastic manager to realize that. Antonio Conte saw it. Maybe Frank Lampard will, too.

Lampard will likely try many different fits and formations this season. If Loftus-Cheeks fails as a striker, the fix would be easy: sub off Barkley or Mount, slide Loftus-Cheek to the midfield and bring on a striker.

It’s a low-risk test that could have a huge reward, especially if the Blues’ January window ban is upheld.