According to the Standard, Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus Cheek has expressed his full understanding of why his manager laced into him, following his performance in Australia. “Yes, I listened to what the manager said and I wasn’t at the level,” remarked the 19-year-old. “I need to do better — and I need to do better if I want to play for Chelsea. For me that is a reminder that I have to work hard to get in the team.”
Those are exactly the words that you want to hear from the Chelsea youngster. It shows he has the right attitude to continue his improvement and development. He spoke to this point later in the interview.
“Yes, I will listen to him and learn from him [Mourinho] every way I can,” Loftus Cheek told the Standard. “I really want to work hard now. Hopefully [I can make the breakthrough]. I just need to have a good pre-season. I want to work really hard, Chelsea is always hard to break into but I believe in myself.”
Those are strong words from the youngster, but intelligent ones. He is beginning to grasp what it takes to make it at the absolute highest level of play. Especially at Chelsea, where the only successful academy player in at least the last decade is John Terry. Chelsea aren’t known for promoting many players that come through their academy. Therefore, it’ll take someone very special to make the breakthrough. And I believe the first of a few success stories will be Loftus Cheek.
Nevermind his talent. Look at his demeanor. He’s responded so well to criticism that came very early on in his Chelsea first team career.
He’s not just trying to break into a first team at a major club, he’s doing it at Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. That’s no easy task. But these quotes from a 19-year-old kid couldn’t have been a better response.
The next step for Loftus Cheek is following through. We’ve seen his potential, and recognize his talent. However, we need to see that desire to be in the first team. And that completely comes down to his work ethic. It’ll be interesting to see which Loftus Cheek we see in the preseason.
Will we watch the youngster jog around the pitch like he did against Sydney? Or will we see him become a workhorse for Mourinho?
If he wants to form a quick bond with his manager, I’d largely recommend the latter of the options. Whichever Loftus Cheek we see gracing the touch lines in America, it is certain that his performances will tell us a lot about his place in the squad next season.
