Since his arrival, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has added a new dynamic and fluidity to AC Milan’s midfield. In a recent interview, he discussed some of the differences in the roles and the traits which allow him to fulfil each role how he does.
The Englishman has provided Stefano Pioli with a much-needed ace. The Italian’s two preferred systems are a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1 – Loftus-Cheek makes playing these systems possible, both before and during games, given his ability to play as an ‘8’ or a ’10’.
With this, the game can be consistently changed. If the game allows Milan to attack more, he moves into a role with more attacking freedom. Should the game require an extra presence in midfield, he can revert from his attacking role.
Loftus Cheek spoke to Milan TV, in a new series called ‘Gameplay’ where players self-analyse their performances and discuss their strengths and thought processes in situations, and his comments have been relayed by MilanNews.
How did your position against Torino and Roma differ?
“Against Torino, I played as an 8, on the right, in a midfield trio. Against the Giallorossi instead, I played more in the centre behind the striker.
“They are different roles tactically, and from the pictures, you can see that most of the touches were on the right side of the pitch against Torino, while against Roma, I tended to vary from left to right.”
Are you proud to be such a decisive player in every part of the field?
“Yes, I think this is the contribution I can make, especially in midfield. You have to be able to both attack and defend. I’m comfortable anywhere on the pitch, so where I can be most effective, I try to find that position on the pitch.”
Loftus-Cheek also spoke about his relationship with two former Chelsea team-mates and his touch map – you can read the full interview here.
I still think he is being misused. Sure he did score more goals as an AM, but that’s normal considering his more advanced position and in fact, in the games he scored, aside from the goals themselves he wasn’t always very present and when he doesn’t score his rating declines a lot and for good reasons.
In terms of actual playmaking, he lacks the required qualities. He is a good ball winner, has good speed and a lot of strength, but doesn’t distribute the ball very well and often times doesn’t seem to know what to do with it.
“in the games he scored, aside from the goals themselves he wasn’t always very present ”
Hit the nail on the head there buddy. His physicality can be better used in the middle of the pitch