‘Chelsea should convert Ruben Loftus-Cheek into a striker’, says talkSPORT host Jim White
Is this the answer to the 22-year-old’s dreams of getting more regular game time for the Blues?
talkSPORT host Jim White believes Chelsea can find a way to keep Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the club – by turning him into a striker!
The 22-year-old midfielder showed his prowess in front of goal on Thursday, as his first career hat-trick led the Blues to a 3-1 Europa League win over BATE.
But it was only the England international’s fourth start for the club this season, and there are suggestions he could look to leave Chelsea if he is not given more game time.
Sam Allardyce told talkSPORT on Friday the young midfielder is too good to just sit on the bench and told him to push to leave the Bridge for the sake of his career.
But, after manager Maurizio Sarri explained that his variety of midfield options is behind Loftus-Cheek’s lack of games, Jim White believes he has a great solution...
Speaking on Friday, the mid-morning host said: “It’s been 922 days and two managers since Ruben Loftus-Cheek last started a Premier League match for Chelsea.
“Here’s an idea that could change it for the better for him and his manager…
“Sarri admitted last night that he’s not short of midfield options, and he also said Loftus-Cheek is wonderful in the offensive phase but needs to improve defensively.
“He has four midfielders for two positions so, Maurizio, is the answer not staring you in the face? I think it is…
“Convert him into a striker!
“Loftus-Cheek showed last night he is composed in front of goal. He’s 6ft 3in, he’s a handful, he’s a physical presence and he’s got a serious burst of pace. It’s all there.
“I’m not saying, if it happens, that he’s going to be the next Didier Drogba for Chelsea, but is it not worth the experiment?”
What do you reckon about Jim’s idea? Something to discuss over your pre-game pints perhaps…