Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one of those strange players to define. He’s survived four AC Milan coaches, yet has never been picked regularly by any…
It is clear that Loftus-Cheek has some talent; he wouldn’t be given chances by five Milan coaches if he didn’t have any. So, when Ruben Amorim took a closer look at him in pre-season, it wasn’t a shock. After all, he wasn’t the first to do so.
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Yet, just a few weeks into the season, he’s opted for the same decision as those who came before him: placing the midfielder on the sidelines.
Loftus-Cheek’s future in the air
This afternoon, Calciomercato.com looked at the Englishman’s statistics for the season and more worryingly, his running stats. After five matchdays, he’s run the least of anyone in the squad, even less than Mike Maignan, who has run 25.9 kilometres, compared to Loftus-Cheek’s 25.8.
Of course, there is something to be said about minutes played. But still, Maignan’s role sees him leave the box on very few occasions; Loftus-Cheek’s job – especially in a Ruben Amorim system – should see him move much more.
He’s always been seen as an opportunity player for coaches, but no one has ever stuck with him. Whether it’s been injuries, poor performances or other personnel, he’s never been the go-to. Here we are again, back in that position.
With his deal up next summer, he is likely to return to England as a free agent. His Rossoneri story could’ve been very different, but it seems unlikely that it’ll be any different now.
Thnk goodness next summer is here already
Mr Potential-man
How the f can a goalkeeper run more than a supposed playmaker? At this point he is just paycheck stealer…
Because they didn’t do a comparison but just chucked those numbers together. He ran more than Camarda as well. 🤣 Check how much more he ran than Bondo.
Maignan play more
Big mistake to keep RLC and let Ricci go. We gave up on Ricci too early.
For some reason pre season Amorim was keen to keep RLC and Estupido
Now we live with those consequences. Hopefully no more mistakes next summer. Enough with these obviously sh!t players. Remember Emerson Royale? I know we fans arent experts but when literally 99% of the fans think hes absolutely atrocious, surely the wise club scouts should think of looking elsewhere.
RLC at one stage recently they were considering a contract extension! Lets hope that ship has sailed. Summer 2027 release him
And worse is that he subbed RLC in up 3-0. That’s where you give chances to Comotto, Camarda etc. Not the ‘Mr potential “.
It’s not hard to see why on paper RLC “should” be a starter and why every coach is initially impressed. on paper RLC is big, strong, Fast, good in the air, should be good at hold-up play, strong shot, likes vertical runs and good attitude. Problem is, you could be a freak physical athlete but if you dont know how to use your gifts, you might as well join the sunday league. Ppl that choose RLC w/o actually watching him play consistently are the same ppl that wont give a young Messi a chance.
I think we can all agree this has been a failed experiment. No one seems to be able to unlock this guy. Sad.
He would be good as a very part time player. Sitting in the box for crosses. But is that worth giving up a spot on the team.
The person who did this comparison is completely incompetent. The only way to make the comparison is to count meters /minute. Goalkeepers shouldn’t be in the comparison at all. Because it’s like comparing apples and pears.
I still can’t believe he let go of Ricci, Fofana and keep RLC.Amorim really surprised me
RLC uses voodoo on all Milan coaches
RLC is a good squad guy to have because he can play replacement level at almost any position except GK. Like, he could play WB. He could play MF. He could even play CB and CF. Now, we might not be excited about what he’d do, but he can be 3rd string at every position.
This is the reason I don’t like/trust players they “can” play everywhere on the field. Seems like a huge advantage but in reality they can’t perform highly in any position.