CHelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has said that he wants to become a leader like John Terry. The youngster played with Terry during his first days at Chelsea which were also Terry’s last.
Loftus-Cheek hailed Terry who was one of the best defenders in the world during his playing days, claiming that he was a great leader both on and off the pitch.
Speaking to ESPN, Loftus-Cheek said, “He was the best leader I’ve seen, not just on the pitch but off it. He was always organising and sorting stuff out to make it easier for us. On the pitch he was very vocal and was that character you have at the back who would organise and make you feel safe.”
When asked if he could become a leader, Loftus-Cheek replied, Yeah definitely, but I think that comes with a lot of experience. I don’t think Chelsea can ever replace John. I’ve observed that and felt that feeling, and that’s something that comes with experience. The more experience I get, then hopefully I can be that person.
We look up to the senior guys in the squad, observe them and see how they act and see how they lead – especially Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta. They’re two of the most professional footballers I’ve seen. David [Luiz] as well.”
Loftus-Cheek fell down the pecking order last season under Antonio Conte and had to move to Crystal Palace where he impressed, thus earning a place in England’s World Cup squad.
This season again, Loftus-Cheek was struggling for playing time during the first few months. However, he has featured in almost every match for Chelsea in January. So far, Loftus-Cheek has made 40 appearances this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists.
Another player who has been struggling to find playing time with Chelsea this season is Danish defender Andreas Christensen. Christensen has been a regular for Chelsea in their Europa League games but was far from regular in the Premier League.
The Dane had a few Premier League starts at the end of the season due to a knee injury to Antonio Rudiger.
Loftus-Cheek feels that both him and Christensen are prepared to contribute more to Chelsea. The 23-year old said, “I think it’s time for us. Me and Andreas are 23 now. It’s not so young and we have to step up when we get given the time to play, and start to become really important players for the team.”
Both Loftus-Cheek and Christensen should start in Chelsea’s Europa League Final against Arsenal which is exactly two weeks from now at Baku. The duo will hope to put on a strong performance to help Chelsea end the season with a trophy.
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