Reuben Loftus-Cheek has impressed Chelsea fans ahead of the 2018/19 season as his desire for a more regular starting role becomes evident.
After a successful season at Crystal Palace, for which he drew praise, Loftus-Cheek was rewarded with a spot in England's World Cup squad, where he clocked 274 minutes of international football in four appearances.
He was given three weeks off following the World Cup and was due back on the 6th of August, however, Loftus-Cheek has returned to training a week early, clearly out to impress new manager Maurizio Sarri.
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Sarri's arrival earlier this summer from Napoli has also excited Chelsea fans, yet it is expected that Conte's familiar 3-4-3 is out and that Sarri will play 4-3-3, which he was fond of in the Serie A, this now asks questions of who will start in midfield.
N'Golo Kanté is expected to start for the blues, while Sarri brought Jorginho with him to Chelsea for £57m so it is assumed that he will partner Kanté to hold down the midfield. This leaves an opening for either Ross Barkley, Cesc Fàbregas or Reuben Loftus-Cheek to battle it out.
Following a promising loan period and World Cup, Chelsea fans will be hoping that this is just the opportunity Loftus-Cheek needs to break out and establish himself.
The young midfielder could start against Arsenal in Dublin on Wednesday and will also hope to get playing time against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
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Words: George Buksmann.
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