Ruben Loftus-Cheek determined to fight for starting place at Chelsea

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 16 August 2018

Loftus-Cheek determined to fight for place

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek expresses his intention to fight for a place in the first team under new boss Maurizio Sarri, despite speculation of a move away.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has insisted that he will fight for his place in the first team under new manager Maurizio Sarri.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a loan move away from Stamford Bridge before the end of the month, with a number of European clubs including Schalke 04 understood to be interested in his services.

Loftus-Cheek spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where his form earned him a place in England's World Cup squad, and he has now set his sights on breaking into the starting XI at Chelsea on a regular basis.

"The boys are working really hard trying to understand how the boss wants us to play, on and off the ball, and it will only get better. Playing in a 4-3-3 in an attacking midfield position is kind of my position really, my suited position, so hopefully I can bring my best football to the team," he is quoted as saying by the Evening Standard.

"I have just got to work hard, try and play my best football, and try and get as much time on the pitch as possible. You can only really set specific targets when you know you are playing every week, so for me it is just a case of getting my head down, working hard, trying to understand the manager's tactics and going from there.

"[Palace] had a period at the start where we did not get a win for seven games. I have experienced that and it was not nice. And I have experienced a good run at the end as well, and a decent run in the middle, so I feel like I experienced a lot in one season - different managers as well.

"The loan did me really good. I feel like I have got that experience of a Premier League season now, and international football as well. I feel more mature as a player to help battle for three points every game."

Loftus-Cheek was handed a 22-minute cameo during Chelsea's Premier League opener against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.