Chelsea: Loftus-Cheek should get the nod with Jorginho in the XI

Jorginho is likely going to start for Chelsea and for that reason, Lampard should give Ruben Loftus-Cheek the nod for a tactical advantage.

Billy Gilmour’s season-ending injury is forcing Frank Lampard to get creative in the midfield once again. Injuries have plagued the Blues all season long, so it’s nothing the gaffer isn’t used to. However, this time he’s going to have to draw up a new game plan with Jorginho as the presumed base of a midfield three.

Although Jorginho didn’t look to be a part of Lampard’s plans down the stretch, things change. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. The problem with Jorginho’s introduction into the starting XI is Lampard’s philosophy shift. Chelsea will have to play a methodical game with an emphasis on build-up through the middle of the park. For this reason, Ruben Loftus-Cheek should be trusted to start alongside Mason Mount; as opposed to his fellow Englishman, Ross Barkley.

Loftus-Cheek’s individual skillset offers a unique alternative for the Blues in a match against one of the Premiership’s most disciplined defensive sides. Whereas Barkley works best on a break or setting up teammates on a long ball, Loftus-Cheek is the antithesis. The 24-year-old thrives in tight spaces. His ability to glide through a back line as if the ball is glued to his boot is unlike anything else the Chelsea midfield can offer.

The most noteworthy aspect of Loftus-Cheek’s game is the capability he has to split defenses. He’s not quick, but rather versatile. The English midfielder possesses the rare feat of knowing to turn on the jets when needed. His lower body strength is also crucial to his inside runs. This will bode well in a match like the upcoming. With Jorginho in midfield distributing monotonous passes back and forth, waiting for a hole to open up, Loftus-Cheek creates chances of his own.

The England international has struggled since the restart, which is only natural after missing an entire calendar year with a leg injury. He registered his first goal contribution mid-week with his adept assist to Tammy Abraham. This was a huge step in Loftus-Cheek’s return to full fitness. If Lampard wants to avoid playing the characterless football his squad has played on numerous occasions, he’d be wise to give Loftus-Cheek a run out.

Chelsea was just hitting its most successful stride of the season before the injuries began to pile up once more. It’s no coincidence this is large in part a result of the tactical adjustments in the way Lampard deploys his players. However, it’s back to the basics on Saturday—let’s just hope Loftus-Cheek can brighten up the otherwise dull attack.