Loftus-Cheek in career-best form amid pursuit of European Championship dream

Ruben Loftus-Cheek continues to have an excellent season, and there are a couple of things that are in his sights between now and the end of the season.

As Calciomercato.com report, when a midfielder – however attacking his characteristics may be – scores double figures in goals scored without taking penalties, we are certainly talking about a season worth remembering.

Loftus-Cheek has reached 10 goals before the start of April, with two months still to play, meaning we are faced with a year which could potentially change his career after a difficult end to his time at Chelsea.

The close-range finish that opened the scoring at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on Saturday was the 10th goal of the season for the Englishman, almost all of which have come in a more advanced role behind the striker.

He scored 10 times under Maurizio Sarri in the 2018-19 season, five years ago, the period in which he has often said he felt his best. More specifically, he had 10 goals and five assists in 40 games that season whereas this time he is on 10 goals and two assists in 35 appearances.

Loftus-Cheek gave an interview to Cronache Di Spogliatoio and he shed light on a number of different topics from previous coaches to his national team ambitions.

“I feel good in my current role. Pioli continually gives me feedback, even through videos. His English… it’s improving day after day! I work with the coach and his staff on the analysis of my game, I think this tool is important in today’s football: watching the matches, seeing where and how to improve,” he said.

England head coach Gareth Southgate did not consider calling him up for the last two international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in preparation for Euro 2024, but he will find it difficult to ignore him in view of the tournament in Germany.

For RLC personally, another four goals would mean equaling Franck Kessié’s 14 in the 2020-21 season, the highest figure among Milan midfielders in the last 15 years. The difference? 12 of those 14 were penalties.