Why Crystal Palace should re-sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek in January
According to Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are very much interested in bringing back Ruben Loftus Cheek in January. The English midfielder impressed on a loan spell under Roy Hodson last season, playing an important role for the club.
Palace have made a decent start to their season but are now winless in the last two games and could use the services of the 22-year-old. Loftus-Cheek made a total of 24 appearances for the Eagles last season, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. (Stats courtesy – Premier League)
The Chelsea youth graduate was one of their main driving forces in the middle of the park. His impressive loan spell also saw him earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad that finished fourth at the World Cup.
Loftus-Cheek has only been able to 2 substitute appearances under new manager Maurizio Sarri this season, playing a total of just 33 minutes. A move back to Selhurst Park would provide the midfielder with a chance to play regular football and develop his career.
The 22-year-old predominantly played as a box-to-box midfielder for Roy Hodgson last season and excelled. The Chelsea midfielder is also capable of playing on the right or left flank as well and possesses the qualities to thrive in those roles.
He is superb at picking up the ball from deep areas to surge forward and support the attack. A hard worker in the middle of the park, Loftus-Cheek possesses impressive ability on the ball and his directness makes it very hard for the defenders to handle him.
An able distributor as well, the youngster averaged 30.13 passes per game for the Eagles last season. He also created a total of 5 big chances and supplied 12 crosses. What makes Loftus-Cheek such an enticing option is his versatility on the field and the ability to create and score goals.
In the 33 minutes he has played this season, Loftus-Cheek has maintained a 100% pass success rate in the Premier League. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
There is no guarantee if Sarri would be willing to part ways with their talented youngster but Roy Hodgson must try and convince him by offering regular game time.
Palace have looked good going forward this season but they could really use an energetic and determined midfielder like Ruben Loftus-Cheek to not only do the dirty work in the middle of the park but also ensure stability and cohesion.