Eden Hazard believes Chelsea must utilise the talents of the ‘fantastic’ Ruben Loftus-Cheek this season as the Englishman pushes for a regular first-team role.
An endorsement from the Belgian is testament to the rise Loftus-Cheek has had in recent months having followed up his impressive loan at Crystal Palace with a place in the England World Cup squad.
‘Ruben is a fantastic player,’ Hazard told the London Evening Standard. ‘He is still young, of course, but I think if we can have him in the team this season it’s a plus for everyone. I know his quality. He is young, he is powerful. The future will be top for him.’
With Maurizio Sarri taking charge from Antonio Conte, Loftus-Cheek is being assessed as to whether his long-term future is at Stamford Bridge, or whether he is due for another loan move.
The Blues have been linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic to bolster central midfield – an indication Loftus-Cheek is far from guaranteed a regular role.
Crystal Palace would be keen to re-sign him but it appears the 22-year-old, having cut his World Cup holiday short in a bid to impress Sarri in pre-season, has tunnel-vision in remaining in Chelsea blue this time round.
Last month, he criticised his transition into the senior side and is now hoping his time has come to establish himself.
‘It’s been so difficult to go from playing every game then get to the seniors and not be given a chance,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘It’s really difficult mentally, there’s only so long you just enjoy training with top players.’
For Hazard, he returned to the club’s Cobham training ground relaxed over his situation having seen talk of a move to Real Madrid quickly extinguished.
His Belgian compatriot Thibaut Courtois now appears the only Blues ace set to make the switch to Madrid and Hazard’s continuation with the club will come as welcome relief to supporters.
LOFTUS-CHEEK STATS AT CRYSTAL PALACE
Appearances: 24
Goals: 2
Assists: 3
Passes: 723
Tackle success: 71%