[cn-social-icon]
‘Very strong’: Brentford player acknowledges it was ‘very difficult’ to get the ball off one Chelsea star in 1-0 loss
Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard praised Ruben Loftus-“very Cheek’s composed” performance after the 1-0 home loss to Chelsea.
On Saturday, the 25-year-old started in a midfield three alongside N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
Thomas Tuchel emphasized earlier this month how Loftus-Cheek’s ability to drive with the ball and dribble past players can help the team avoid opposition pressing.
Tuchel most likely anticipated heavy pressing from the home team and decided to deploy Loftus-Cheek as a countermeasure.
Loftus-Cheek completed four dribbles in the game from five attempts, which was more than Kovacic, who is known for his dribbling ability (three from four).
The Chelsea academy graduate also made three tackles and four clearances on defense.
Brentford defensive midfielder Norgaard was impressed by Loftus- Cheek’s performance, praising his ability with the ball at his feet.
“I think in the first half, they dominated the middle of the park,” the Denmark international told Brentford’s official YouTube channel.
“I think Loftus-Cheek played a really good game.
“He was very composed on the ball — very hard to get the ball off him, and he’s very strong physically.
“But I have to say that in the second half we were on top, including in midfield. We were winning the second balls, and they looked a bit tired.”
[cn-social-icon]
‘Very strong’: Brentford player acknowledges it was ‘very difficult’ to get the ball off one Chelsea star in 1-0 loss
