Ruben Loftus-Cheek has criticised Chelsea for the lack of first-team opportunities that young players at the club are given. The highly-rated midfielder spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and has impressed for England at the 2018 World Cup so far. However, the 22-year-old has described his situation at Stamford Bridge as ‘difficult’ amid rumours he could leave the club permanently this summer.
“It’s been so difficult to go from playing every game then get to the seniors and not be given a chance,” Loftus-Cheek said. “It’s really difficult mentally, there’s only so long you just enjoy training with top players. From a year ago, I’ve improved so much from playing. A game situation is so, so, different. It’s hard to compare the faith of Gareth Southgate and Roy Hodgson and lack of Antonio Conte faith because Chelsea is a big club and managers are under pressure and maybe don’t want to take a chance on a young player. I don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes fully.”