It is every Chelsea fan's dream to see one of the academy products make it to the first team. However, at Chelsea making it into the first team is all but a dream, something which rarely happens. This is due to the fact that the team keeps on changing managers often, making it difficult for young talents to break into the first team.
However, there is one particular player who has managed to beat all odds to make it into the first team.
Loftus-Cheek is a fine talent. In fact, this season alone the England international has scored back-to-back league goals. On 25 October 2018, Ruben scored a hat-trick in a Europa League match against BATE Borisov, but still the manager continues to put him on the bench.
Despite his success and heroics in a Chelsea shirt, Maurizio Sarri still overlooks this young talent by constantly putting him on the bench. Loftus-Cheek keeps getting selected for just Carabao Cup games and Europa League fixtures.
This is not fair, considering his success on loan at Crystal Palace last season before returning to Chelsea.
It is believed that Loftus-Cheek’s future lies elsewhere, although Chelsea remains defiant that the player will remain at the club for the remainder of the season.
However, the player himself does not rule out a possible move away from the Blues. In that regard, there are reasons why Loftus-Cheek needs to evaluate his options & seek a move away from Chelsea.
#1 Sarri-ball
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has rarely started any Premier League game this season, raising concerns over his future. In addition, the 22-year-old midfielder has been forced to fight for a starting spot with the likes of Ross Barkley and Kovacic – players equally talented.
Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri, has made it clear to Loftus-Cheek that he must improve on his tactical awareness.
Yes, we all know how Sarri-ball can be demanding, but this should not be an excuse not to give him a chance to showcase his talent.
#2 Competition
As mentioned earlier, Sarri-ball is tasking, and is at times a bit complicated with regards being precise with the ball. Being a manager is not easy, especially when you have to leave a talented young player like Loftus-Cheek out.
At Chelsea there is stiff competition in midfield. Also, we have the likes of Ross Barkley and Kovacic who are quality players. Therefore, for Ruben to prove himself as being better than the aforementioned duo is not an easy task.
The only option for Loftus-Cheek is to seek a move away from Chelsea, either on loan or permanently.
Final thoughts
Although fans would love to see a homegrown player like Ruben Loftus-Cheek thrive at Chelsea, the manager has the final say. A manager sees numbers and not goals. Sarri might have a different opinion about Loftus-Cheek, but one thing is certain - Ruben Loftus-Cheek has a bright future ahead of him.