‘No doubt about it, I love him, he’s a fantastic specimen’ – Ferdinand hails Chelsea player that plays like Yaya Toure
Following Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Malmo on Tuesday night, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek following his performance and has likened his play to that of Manchester City legend Yaya Toure.
Loftus-Cheek was handed his first Champions League start since 2015 on Tuesday evening as the Blues travelled to Sweden to face Malmo.
“I love him,” Ferdinand said of Loftus-Cheek while speaking to BT Sport. “I’ve always known about him from friends at Chelsea.
“He’s a fantastic specimen, first and foremost. I liken him, in full flow, to someone like Yaya Toure.
“He can intimidate players. When he turns and goes full pelt, it’s unplayable at times. As a centre back that’s one of your biggest fears.
“He’s a fantastic talent. He’s as comfortable in the wide areas of a front three as he is in front of the defence. You don’t get that with many players. The strings he has to his bow are beautiful.”