Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek started England’s 1-0 win against Switzerland last night, but he was substituted on the hour mark after a below-par performance.
The 22-year-old didn’t look match sharp, and many observers believe his lack of game time at club level is hampering his development.
The Evening Standard journalist Simon Johnson believes Loftus-Cheek should leave Stamford Bridge but some fans on Twitter think he is being a bit premature:
Let him fight for the shirt, if you're good, you're good. His time will surely come.
— Bridge News ???? (@cfc_wale) 12 September 2018
Calm down… The season has just begun ffs.
— LukeCFC (@SarriCFC1905) 12 September 2018
This article is a bit premature given we are only 4 games into the season. He will have opportunities during the first half of the season and needs to take them.
— Nick Cook (@nickcook26) 12 September 2018
You can’t be handed an automatic shirt in a top club like Chelsea , you have to work hard for it , it’s either you are up to the level required or not , hopefully he impresses when he gets the chance
— Exclusively Chelsea (@cobhamchelsea) 12 September 2018
Other supporters agree with the reporter:
I’d have to agree, at Palace Ruben shined after a run of games in the first team where he was fully fit, contributing week in week out. He won’t get that at Chelsea with Kova?i? and Barkley ahead in the pecking order. To develop into the player England needs he must leave
— ChelseaDaily (@Chelsea20126) 12 September 2018
is sad as this is, it’s true.
— King of Trainers (@samzi251) 12 September 2018
Hes not good enough
— SarriBall ???? (@ImBlue_16) 12 September 2018
A battle he cannot win straight up translates to he isn’t that level
— V (@1stTouchFanatic) 12 September 2018
Loftus-Cheek has been around the first-team for a while under a number of different managers and hasn’t made the breakthrough. Ross Barkley, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have also been brought in to strengthen the midfield in the last two transfer windows.
Current boss Maurizio Sarri has started all three players at least once already this season, while the England international has made just two substitute appearances and played 33 minutes in total. He’ll likely get some starts in cup competitions but will that be enough for him to stay?
