Loftus-Cheek can be ‘great’ for Chelsea, says Sarri

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri says midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has the potential to be a “great player” for the club.

The 22-year-old has spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, making 25 appearances and helping them avoid relegation from the Premier League.

His performances earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad for the tournament Russia, where he made four appearances as Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals.

Sarri started Loftus-Cheek in the final pre-season against Lyon on Tuesday and the Chelsea youth product seems set to stay at Stamford Bridge rather than go back out on loan.

“He can be a very useful player for us,” Sarri said after Chelsea beat the French side on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

“He’s potentially a great player. He has to improve from the tactical point of view. But I think that’s not a problem. He’s very young.”

Loftus-Cheek has made 32 appearances for the Blues, but half of those have been as a substitute.