Graham Potter names the Chelsea player who has ‘really impressed’ him in training
Graham Potter has rated Ruben Loftus- Cheek’s chances of making England’s World Cup squad, stating that he has been “really impressed” by the Chelsea midfielder this season.
Loftus-Cheek has played in all 11 Premier League games for Chelsea this season.
In previous seasons, the 26-year- old’s development was hindered by recurring injuries, but he now appears to have overcome his fitness issues and is establishing himself as a key member of Potter’s squad.
Potter has been ‘extremely impressed’ by Loftus-Cheek ‘on and off the field’ and believes that his impressive form could earn him a spot in England’s World Cup squad for Qatar.
“Ruben has really impressed me, on and off the pitch,” Potter said ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday night.
“He is a humble guy who wants to learn and improve. He’s clearly benefitted from more game-time, but the way he has trained is really, really good when he hasn’t played. So that has allowed him to build his fitness up.
“Clearly, he needs a good fitness level to carry that big body of his around the pitch, but his quality is there. He is fantastic on the ball, great physicality, great athlete.
“I think he is putting himself in a situation where he will be one of the players Gareth [Southgate] will be looking at as an outsider for the squad. But that is Gareth’s decision.”
Loftus-Cheek admits it would “mean the world” to be a part of England’s upcoming World Cup squad, having participated in the 2018 tournament.
“It would be amazing,” the former Crystal Palace and Fulham loanee said. “It would mean a lot.
“As a player, after going into the 2018 World Cup, you see your trajectory to go upward and to be at the next World Cup if everything goes well.
“A lot has happened in between that time, and I am just happy and grateful that I am fit and healthy and playing football now consistently.
“If I go to the World Cup, it would mean the world, but that is not at the forefront of my mind at the moment.
“We have some big games coming up that need our full focus. It would be selfish for me to think about my personal aspirations rather than the club at the moment.”
Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League and first in Champions League Group E as they prepare for Tuesday’s match against RB Salzburg in Austria.
On Chelsea’s clash with Salzburg, Blues boss Potter added: “They are a really good side, we saw their quality at Stamford Bridge. We have to fight, match their motivation and intensity and then we have to try to play our football.”
Graham Potter names the Chelsea player who has ‘really impressed’ him in training
