---
title: "Danny Murphy believes Chelsea should’ve kept Loftus-Cheek"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/09/29/danny-murphy-believes-chelsea-shouldve-kept-loftus-cheek/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-09-29T12:22:43Z"
modified: "2017-09-29T12:22:43Z"
---

# Danny Murphy believes Chelsea should’ve kept Loftus-Cheek

Former England international Danny Murphy has slammed Chelsea boss Antonio Conte for sending Ruben Loftus-Cheek out on loan to Crystal Palace, speaking on the [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11058464/listen-thursdays-the-debate-podcast-with-danny-murphy-and-chris-powell) Debate show.

Murphy believes that the current Chelsea squad is too thin and doesn’t have the right balance of youth and experience, with Loftus-Cheek currently being Crystal Palace’s standout performer in what has been a miserable start for the Eagles.

Despite recently being struck down by injuries, Loftus-Cheek has put in a number of impressive performances for Roy Hodgson’s side. However, the young midfielder had seen his development stagnate after not getting a consistent run of game time at Stamford Bridge.

> With Loftus-Cheek, I have seen him a few times this season and I really like him, and maybe he was desperate to go and play I’m not sure. I think if Conte kept him, he wouldn’t be knocking on his door and asking about not playing every game. As long as he’s getting some game time and filling in for a game or two, that’s how you get your squad.

Chelsea also allowed fellow youngsters Nathaniel Chalobah, Dominic Solanke and Nathan Ake to leave Stamford Bridge permanently in the summer, as they joined Watford, Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively.

Murphy believes the key to managing a squad at the top level is to find balance.

> I think the important thing looking at a squad with lots of games is you have to have a group of players that is balanced. You can’t just have top class players, because they will be knocking on your door the whole time asking why they aren’t playing.