Chelsea: Ruben Loftus-Cheek must be the one to replace Jorginho

Many questions surround how Chelsea will line up next season, but one thing that is evident is that Ruben Loftus-Cheek must replace Jorginho.

The new season is just around the corner and Frank Lampard has a good problem on his hands; he has many talented players to choose from and must form a starting XI. With new signings arriving almost on a weekly basis, Chelsea is once again an eminent threat to all other clubs in Europe. Not only does Lampard’s side have brilliant quality for a dangerous starting XI, but there is also menacing depth capable of playing across all competitions.

One of the main questions this upcoming season is how will the team line up? It won’t be decided until all the players settle into their positions and the manager’s tactics settle in. But when it comes to the midfield, one question is already answered: Ruben Loftus-Cheek must replace Jorginho.

The Blues’ back line made horrific mistakes last season, but not all of them were down to the defenders, as the midfield had just as much influence in allowing the errors. At the center of these mistakes was Jorginho. Chelsea’s vice-captain failed in crucial moments by allowing the opposition right through the middle of the field. He failed to return to a defensive position quick enough, played the ball to players with no space and simply wasted time by pointing and shouting.

But this isn’t about how Jorginho is not the right man for the job; rather how Loftus-Cheek can completely replace him.

Loftus-Cheek has the defensive, offensive, technical and physical abilities to solidify the midfield. Everyone already knew about Jorginho’s footballing deficiencies, but they were magnified in particular under Lampard. In contrast, Loftus-Cheek posses all of the qualities necessary to fill the position.

The Englishman’s positioning and awareness can be utilized in many different ways. This has been the case whenever he is fit to play. Not only does Loftus-Cheek intercept plays in the defensive half, but he also pressures the opposition into making mistakes. He closes down opposition vertically, and horizontally, to either force the ball off the opposition or allow someone else to make the final tackle.

In contrast to Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek is a physically powerful player that can actively affect the game. Last season, Chelsea struggled to control games and maintain possession; particularly when the opposition implemented a high press. This is because the only tactic used by the deep-lying midfielder was to make the most convenient short pass available. Loftus-Cheek can use his stature and strength to shield the ball and retain possession. This type of active involvement in the game is just what Chelsea needs in the midfield. Thus, allowing better control of the game with more defensive cover.

Although Loftus-Cheeks is not known for his defensive abilities, they are certainty better than Jorginho’s. That is because he tracks back and does not wait for other players to do the job for him. Jorginho, in this case, always relied on N’Golo Kante or Mateo Kovacic to cover the space and the attacking player because of his athleticism—or lack thereof. While Loftus-Cheek can be found guilty of doing the same from time to time, he can learn from his mistakes. At only 24 years of age, his capacity to develop, from Lampard nonetheless, is far wider than that of Jorginho’s; therefore giving him a higher chance at being more impactful overall.

Moreover, Loftus-Cheek can also use his physical prowess to press the opposition in the attack. We have seen Loftus-Cheek do this many times when dictated by the manager. This allows the Blues to regain the ball in favorable forward positions, but this has also happened in instances where the team needs to obtain possession because a counterattack is looming. Thereby acting as a shield and spear simultaneously. Loftus-Cheek uses his range of capabilities to take the initiative, mainly because he has to, but also because he can. This particular aspect of the Englishman is one of the reasons he stands way above the Italy international.

Lastly, the “Jorginho role” or “regista” has vanished in the modern game. With the depth, fire power and capacities at Lampard’s disposal, a deep-lying midfielder is not necessary. This season, Lampard has more avenues to explore in the build-up of his game. Therefore, no longer needing one player to distribute and control the tempo meaning every player can take an active part in creating an attack. Thus, leaving certain midfielders to cover spaces, or support the attack higher up the field, not just distributing short passes. With this position now dismantled, it makes more sense to play a versatile midfielder than one with a singular set of skills.

Loftus-Cheek, if not for his injuries, would have had a starting position in the squad. However, after a lengthy recovery, his skills can finally be put to use in a system that suits his abilities. In order to do so, he must replace Jorginho, not just because he can, but because he is capable of it.