In the build-up to tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final, Thomas Tuchel has been discussing what Ruben Loftus-Cheek needs to do to fulfil his potential as a Chelsea player…
The 26-year-old has featured in our past six matches, starting four of those, including at right wing-back in victories against Southampton and Real Madrid.
This new role has come with additional responsibilities that require concentration, defensive discipline and durability up and down the flank, all of which have been on display in some of Loftus-Cheek’s most impressive performances under Tuchel.
However, the boss believes there is still much more to come and that talk of an England return ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar remains far too premature.
‘I don’t want to ruin his mood but I think the last thing that Ruben needs right now is to think about the World Cup,’ said Tuchel.
‘Even from the outside in Paris and Germany, we knew the player all the time. It was so promising but he is at a certain age now and he never had his breakthrough.
‘Everybody is still waiting for the next step so for him it’s crucial to focus on the very day where he is. It can be a huge distraction for him to think what can be in a week, two weeks or a month ahead
