Crystal Palace should definitely bring back Ruben Loftus-Cheek
According to the Sun, Crystal Palace are interested in bringing back Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to the club. The English midfielder has not started a single game for the Blues under Maurizio Sarri this season.
The report suggests that Bundesliga outfit Schalke are also interested in snapping him up front the Stamford Bridge and there’s good reason for it as well. Despite not featuring regularly under Sarri in the league this season, the 22-year-old scored a superb hat-trick against BATE Borisov in the Europa League.
He has played all 3 of their Europa League fixtures this season and has always put in excellent shifts when called upon. The Chelsea midfielder also enjoyed a splendid loan stint with the Eagles last season and that is why Roy Hodgson should bring him back to the club.
Crystal Palace are in dire need of some all round quality in their midfield, someone who can defend fruitfully and seamlessly provide going forward as well. That is exactly what they will get if they can successfully bring in the English midfielder.
Loftus Cheek scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in 24 league appearances for Roy Hodgson’s side last season. He was one of their major driving forces in the middle of the park and was always looking make things happen when in possession of the ball. (Stats courtesy – Premier League)
At the moment, Roy Hodgson possesses far too many defensive-minded midfielders and that is why there is a lack of goals from their side. The 22-year-old Chelsea midfielder can play anywhere across midfield though his best position is in the centre.
With Cheikhou Kouyate doing the defensive work, Loftus Cheek can focus on picking up the ball in deep areas and driving forward to support the attack. He is also a crisp passer of the ball and can unlock defences with his incisive supply.
Loftus Cheek has averaged a pass success rate of 91.6% in the Europa League this season. He will certainly fit into Hodgson’s 4-4-2 formation this season which is the same setup the 22-year-old flourished in the last campaign. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
Read more: Crystal Palace signing this 30-year-old Liverpool star would be a brilliant move by Hodgson
Crystal Palace should definitely aim to bring back the midfielder when the transfer window opens in January. Roy Hodgson must beat Schalke and any other potential suitors, given that the Eagles are desperate for a fresh breath of air in the middle of the park.