AC Milan will have to do without Ruben Loftus-Cheek in Saturday’s game against Lecce, and the numbers with and without him make for very interesting reading.
Loftus-Cheek picked up a yellow card in the win over Fiorentina last weekend which means that he reached the threshold of five and thus must serve a one-match ban, though he will return for the first leg against Roma in the Europa League.
As Sky report in a video on their website, there is a rather startling difference in Milans numbers when they have the English midfielder versus when they have had to do without him so far this season.
There is a segment of the campaign, between October and November, in which he played very few minutes, just 25 minutes in five games to be precise. Of these matches, Milan won one, drew two and lost two.
They therefore obtained five points out of 15 available. Coincidentally, the gap with Inter at the top of the table. Before and after RLC’s period of absence, Milan have practically always won.
The numbers with Loftus-Cheek tell the tale: 36 games, 25 wins, four draws and an average of 2.2 points per game. Of course, this is also helped by his 10 goals so far this season, with nine coming in 2024.
He’s been very good.
And he offers such a good outlet when the ball is played into his feet.
That’s a huge asset. Especially since Giroud can be less than great in that department.
He can hold off players and also turn QUICKLY and run at the opposing defence that brings a lot more dynamism into our attacks.
His off the ball runs also create a huge amount of space for other players.
Great signing. A real difference maker.
Ruben is a solid addition to the squad.
I don’t think he has the quality to be a starter long term, certainly not as AM.
He is good at bullying the lesser sides.
Here’s an interesting stat which sums him up very well
Champions League: 4 games – 0 goals
Europa League: 4 games – 4 goals
He doesn’t have the work rate or defensive skills for midfield and as AM he lacks awareness, holds onto the ball too long, makes poor decisions and often goes missing in games
I thought he had a brilliant game when we won against PSG. The fact that he didn’t score, doesn’t mean that he was not one of the best (or the best) player on the pitch (Leao was the other one).
Let’s not forget that it’s the first season with us, and hopefully next year he’ll be even more impactful.
Yep but that’s the thing….it’s few and far between. Has one good game then goes missing for 4-5. What’s saving him is that he scores when he bullies the smaller teams. That’s fine, glad for the goals..but in big games goes missing. Apart from “that” PSG game…..crickets….
He was excellent v PSG
He has certainly been a valuable addition. Perhaps next season if we buy a DM he can play as 1 of the mezzala’s. RLC, Musah, Reijnders and Bennacer all suit those roles. My money would be on Reijnders and Bennacer being the best 2 when in peak condition
Yep agree. Even I was surprised how instrumental he was right out the gates. And then of course we all saw what happened when he got injured.
Same salary as origi. 4 times the goals
Origi won the premier league and champions league.
Not everything works out.
In fact I’d say the vast majority of transfers don’t.
Rather than mocking players who fail we should probably question why they did. In that way we can stop seeing so much wasted talent.
Yeh it’s crazy how bad Origi was – no one saw that coming.
And yet there are still some trying to deny his impact. Saying he does nothing any time he doesn’t score a goal. You know who you are… The numbers don’t lie.
RLC Career Stats
Champions league 21 games – 0 goals
Europa League 15 games – 8 goals
The numbers don’t lie
Yes maybe we can win EL with him then 🙂
Exactly!
Lol oh no…not the numbers 🤭
Btw 4 of those 8 came vs the mighty Slavia and Rennes 😁