Maurizio Sarri has said that Ruben Loftus-Cheek has the potential to become a ‘great’ player, but has highlighted the points where he still has to improve.
Having enjoyed a successful season on loan at Crystal Palace last season, Loftus-Cheek returned to Chelsea this summer in the hope of finally making the breakthrough at Stamford Bridge.
However, with the wealth of options available in midfield, his hopes of becoming a first-team regular haven’t really materialised yet, with the England international only making six appearances so far this season, and is yet to start a Premier League game.
With his former side Palace the visitors to Stamford Bridge this weekend, Maurizio Sarri has highlighted just where he needs to improve in order to make more appearances.
“He has improved, but he needs to improve more from a tactical point of view,” Sarri told his Friday press conference.
“Physically he has great characteristics. He is fast, solid and has great impact.
“Technically he is very good. If he wants to play like a midfielder, he has to improve in the defensive phase, but his potential is great.”