Chelsea winger blasts club over decision to loan out Loftus-Cheek

Oli Fisher

Chelsea winger Willian has questioned the club over their decision to allow England talent Ruben Loftus-Cheek to leave on loan.

The 21-year-old was shipped out on loan to Crystal Palace in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by Blues boss Antonio Conte.

He has impressed at Selhurst Park, earning him his first call-up to the England squad under former U21 manager Gareth Southgate.

Now, Chelsea winger Willian has suggested that the club should reverse their decision to allow Loftus-Cheek to leave on loan.

“I don’t know why he is at Crystal Palace now – he has to come back,” Willian said.

“A very good player. He is strong, he has quality. He has a great future.”

Southgate also admitted that he believes Chelsea players have held him back in the past.

“He has been able to battle through difficult spells at Chelsea, training with senior players who recognise his talent so get into him in training,” said Southgate.

“Have they kept him in his place? Yes, I imagine they probably saw the threat. This season, going out and playing, has helped him.

“In the early season I saw him [for Palace] and he showed flashes of what we saw against Germany. I think he can affect big matches like he did.”

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