Chelsea have the lead against Brentford, although it’s a slim one.
The Blues scored just before half time through Ben Chilwell, although the game as a whole has been very balanced.
Thomas Tuchel’s team still lack a bit of attacking fluency, but one man who has been at the heart of everything good – Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
It looked like he’d barely have a sniff before the season started, but now he’s becoming something of a key player.
He’s picking up starts in all competitions, and the new 352 formation creates a perfect space for him in the lineup.
When players like Mason Mount are fit and firing again it will make using him more difficult, but for now he’s doing everything right to keep his place.
On social media they went wild for him, with one user Tweeting that he was an “absolute baller”.
We whole heartedly agree.
You can see a selection of the reaction embedded here:
Loftus Cheek giving Jorginho a run for his money in the starting XI
— Baby Keem (@ayoazeez26) October 16, 2021
Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the first half for #Chelsea:
Most touches [50]
Most duels contested [11]
= Most ball recoveries [7]
Most fouls won [4]
= Most take-ons [2][via @Squawka]
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) October 16, 2021
Think Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been absolutely superb again. His dynamism adds another layer to our midfield. An unexpected but valuable addition to this team.
— Jamie Wilkinson (@jamiewiIkinson) October 16, 2021
Ruben Loftus-Cheek driving with the ball… an unstoppable force. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rukzqsScaa
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) October 16, 2021
https://twitter.com/harryedwards16/status/1449430572477173763
https://twitter.com/tadiiwadube/status/1449428720784117763
Thomas Tuchel is applauding Malang Sarr, Trevoh Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek a lot today. All 3 are far from regulars, but they're playing really well. Slotted in seamlessly for Chelsea. #CFC #BRECHE
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) October 16, 2021
Loftus-Cheek is having one of the greatest sports comebacks I can think of. Returning to starting for his boyhood club after going out on loan after a career threatening injury. Nobody deserves it more.
— JMH (@JakeMH) October 16, 2021
Loftus Cheek is playing so well, he shows why I like him.
— 𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈 (@EkeminiNels0n) October 16, 2021
Loftus Cheek is an absolute baller
— connor (@cojawi) October 16, 2021
Ruben Loftus Cheek is a very good footballer. He has been very good in this game. His quick turns, dribbles in tight spaces and ball retention are elite-level. His acceleration is surprisingly good for a man his size…
An asset, he is.
— Влади́мир Ильи́ч Улья́нов (@OluwafemiMaduka) October 16, 2021
Mason Mount and Loftus Cheek can do that
But Cheek is sitting deep while Mount is on the bench— Kelvin (@Kklazzique) October 16, 2021
I’m in love with Reuben Loftus-Cheek
— Laura (@mrselliott2819) October 16, 2021
Ruben Loftus-Cheek. What a player we have here. 👌🏾
— la pelo (@ewkahel) October 16, 2021
Hang on, Loftus-Cheek is playing proper cm today. What’s going on?
— Senior Man (@ReturnoftheMuk) October 16, 2021
