Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek would improve the Liverpool midfield, says former Liverpool striker Paul Walsh. Loftus-Cheek, 21, is currently on a season-long loan at Crystal Palace and has impressed in his short time at Selhurst Park. Arguably, he has been Palace’s standout player in an otherwise poor season so far.
The 21-year-old’s encouraging displays under manager Roy Hodgson earned him a first call-up to the England senior squad, where he impressed on his debut against Germany.
With Loftus-Cheek set to return to Chelsea in the summer, pundit Walsh says Liverpool would be a good option for the talented midfielder given that first-team football at Stamford Bridge is far from guaranteed.
“You mentioned Loftus-Cheek, I think he’d improve Liverpool in that central midfield area,” Walsh said told Sky Sports, as reported by Express.
While Walsh feels Loftus-Cheek will improve the Reds’ midfield, Anfield legend Phil Thompson believes the England international will have plenty of buyers if Chelsea deem him surplus to requirements.
“I think he’s got great energy, I think he can turn and go past people quite easily,” Thompson praised the midfielder. He’s got an assist, he’s got a shot on him. I would say yes (he’s good enough to play at Chelsea) and if he doesn’t, they’ll be a lot of suitors.”
Thompson feels Loftus-Cheek is now ready to feature regularly for Chelsea but says that he should consider moving on in the summer if he fails to get first-team opportunities more often.
“I think he’s now saying ‘I am ready’,” Thompson further added. If they’re not going to give them his chance, he has to move on in the summer.
“I think it’s a big sit down with Conte or whoever it is and he needs to find out, because I think he’s too good not to be playing.”
In November, Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson revealed Loftus-Cheek’s loan spell at the club could be cut short due to a clause in their agreement with Chelsea.
The 21-year-old midfielder was sent out for a season-long loan in the summer but the Blues have the right to recall him early if they feel he isn’t getting enough playing time.
“I have a feeling that they have the right to call him back if he is not playing enough games or featuring in enough games, which is a good clause.
“If you are loaning out players who you believe in to get playing time, and the clubs aren’t using the player, then I think you are entitled to bring them back,” Hodgson was quoted in a report by The Sun.
Would you be fine with Liverpool signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek?
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