Whenever a youngster is trying to develop his game, the most important thing for him (besides tutoring and mentoring) is actual competition and real playing time, so getting minutes is a must for the lads wanting to step up their game and bring it to another level.
So, having minutes is something that definitely needs to be the first thing in sight for them and their managers, and that’s something that can get really difficult for prospects on contending teams, as their bosses aren’t that willing to send them to the pitch and risk their title chances.
This is exactly what’s happening to Chelsea’s midfielder Ruben Loftus – Cheek, as even if Antonio Conte really seems to like the talented 20-year-old and they seem to be in need of some depth on this position, he believes that the lad isn’t ready just yet to be a steady contributor for the first team.
The lad has made a couple of starts for the Blues this year, as well as 8 appearances for the first team as a substitute, showing a great feel for the game with an outstanding passing and dribbling ability, constantly drawing fouls from his opponents and showing flashes of greatness.
So it won’t be really difficult for the England prospect to find a new home as a loanee, as Conte likes him and sees him as a very important player for his Chelsea’s future, so he intends to send him away until the end of the season so he can have more playing chances and become more mature as a player, so let’s take a look at 3 possible options for the midfielder to go on loan.
Sunderland
David Moyes’ team are currently in a free fall and things aren’t looking well for the Black Cats and are serious relegation contenders. On top of that, the team’s chiefs have stated that they don’t intend to spend money during this transfer window, as the club’s economic situation isn’t quite good either.
Loftus – Cheek could improve their squad in their fight to avoid relegation while getting a lot of minutes without having a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
Hull City
Another team in look for some young (and cheap) talent is Mike Phelan’s side, as the tigers got off to a great start of the season but haven’t been able to find consistency over the course of the season, in big part due to their lack of balance and scoring.
The 20-year-old could help them find more room on offence with his great vision and passing ability, so it would be a nice win – win situation for both parties.
West Ham United
Slaven Bilic’s side is in also need of some offensive talent in order to improve their disastrous start of the season, and considering that they have a pretty decent roster, Loftus – Cheek would find it easy to grow alongside nice players that mentor him.
However, this would be the less attractive choice for the youngster, as he could find it difficult to get some steady playing time with the Hammers.