‘He plays like Kovacic, likes to drive the ball’ — Tuchel reveals why he gives Chelsea player first Champions League start in 6 years
Following Chelsea 1-0 win over Malmo, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel went for a midfield duo of Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek tonight
However, Loftus-Cheek has broken into the team this season over the past month and has impressed the manager.
Tuchel had revealed that he chose Loftus-Cheek to start in place of the injured Mateo Kovacic due to his dribbling ability.
Tuchel was also surprised that it’s the 25-year-old’s first Champions League start in 6 years.
“[Ruben Loftus-Cheek] is a bit like the type of [Mateo] Kovacic. He likes to drive the ball,” Tuchel said of his decision to start Loftus-Cheek.
“The ball is very safe with him. He is using his physical ability more and more. We took the decision to build up his energy at home so he becomes more robust.
“I didn’t know he had not played from the start in the Champions League for a long time but hopefully it’s a good thing!”