Loftus-Cheek itching to take his chance for Chelsea

Ruben Loftus-Cheek knows that in a star-studded Chelsea squad he needs to take every chance that he gets with both hands.

Last night was only the 20-year-old’s second start of the season as the Blues came from behind to down Premier League champions Leicester City 4-2 after extra time in the EFL Cup.

Loftus-Cheek, so impressive in the previous round against Bristol Rovers, was replaced in the second half by Diego Costa as the Blues had Cesc Fabregas to thank for rescuing them in extra time.

And the youngster from Lewisham knows he will have to keep working hard if he is to break into Chelsea’s first-choice midfield with the likes of Fabregas, Oscar, N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic for competition.

In the previous EFL round against Rovers, Loftus-Cheek was deployed off the striker in a more advanced role and he is happy to try anything to prove himself to Antonio Conte.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

“When I get opportunities I always want to do well and enjoy my football,” he said.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself but I’ve played a few games and now it’s time for me to start producing big performances and giving the manager something to think about.

“We want to win every competition we’re in and even though the team may change, the drive to succeed remains the same.

“Playing in a different position was hard but I got used to it as the game progressed and managed to show what I can do.”