Harry Diamond
Gianfranco Zola has hailed Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek saying the 22-year-old has ‘improved a lot’ since returning to Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea academy graduate spent last season on-loan at Crystal Palace, impressing sufficiently to earn a place in the England squad for the World Cup last summer.
Having arrived back at Stamford Bridge, Loftus-Cheek has found opportunities limited under Maurizio Sarri but has impressed after increased involvement in recent weeks.
Chelsea face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals tomorrow, and ahead of the game Zola was full of praise for the player’s improvement.
“I think Ruben has gone a long way from the beginning,” he said during a pre-match press conference.
“He has improved a lot.
“You can’t doubt his abilities, to play as a midfielder he is learning duties. I am very pleased with him.
“He is an impact player, he was suffering when he didn’t play and being recognised is good for him.”