Chelsea: Tuchel applies pressure to impressive Loftus-Cheek

Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea all but secured their place in the next round of the Champions League last night with a victory over Group H opponent and Swedish outfit, Malmö.

A Hakim Ziyech goal from close range after being picked out expertly by Callum Hudson-Odoi was enough to see the Blues through on the night but it was another Cobham academy product that stole the headlines.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek found his way into the side due to injury problems but has seemingly made his mark on manager Thomas Tuchel, something he struggled to achieve under previous Chelsea managers.

The England international was fielded in a more conservative role than his familiar attacking midfield position, playing alongside the experienced Jorginho on the right of Tuchel’s preferred double pivot.

Although Tuchel is spoilt for choice in the centre of the park, the 25-year-old offers a physical presence that none of his alternate options such as Saul NIguez and Kovacic can.

Last night’s performance will have felt like a long time coming for the academy product who has endured countless injury spells and a series of disappointing loan moves which took the wind out of his Chelsea career’s sails.

His manager was keen to assure that it is vital that the former Fulham and Crystal Palace loanee doesn’t stop at last night’s performance in yesterday’s post-match press conference.

Chelsea’s manager Tuchel stated:

"I was a bit worried in the first 15 minutes if Ruben can find another gear but I heard before it was his first Champions League match since 2015 from the start,Yeah, I think we can give the boys credit sometimes to be maybe nervous and find their way into the match. I am happy he fought his way through and in the moment it is symbolic for me he does not disappear or stay invisible.He wants to dominate opponents, he wants not to just be a part of the game because I think he is too talented to just be a part of the group. He needs to use his full potential – that is the absolute key for him – and if he does like in this moment he can be a big part of the squad.That is why I am very happy and after the first 15 minutes he was involved in a lot of dangerous moments for us. I am happy he pushes himself through these little downs and comes up with another strong performance.I am very happy with him and the next step is to show consistency and push himself because the limit can constantly be pushed because he has so much potential. (Via: Sky Sports)"

It isn’t the first time the German manager has piled the pressure on one of his players and it will be interesting to see whether this new approach in regard to a player like Loftus-Cheek works in sparking his career into life.