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Chelsea news: Glenn Hoddle praises one star vs Vidi and sees similarities to Eden Hazard
CHELSEA midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek made a rare start for the Blues tonight - and he impressed Glenn Hoddle.
Loftus-Cheek started for Chelsea for the first time since January 2017 for the visit of Vidi in the Europa League.
The England international spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and his performances earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
However, he has found game time hard to come by since returning to Chelsea under Maurizio Sarri.
Loftus-Cheek has missed the last few weeks due to a foot injury and was left out of the England squad named today for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
Look at that, a little slalom in-between those defenders, that’s Hazard-like isn’t it
But he was given his chance against Vidi and Hoddle said one moment in particular, where he beat a number of players, reminded him of Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard.
“You asked me what I thought of him and I said I’m not sure what he is yet,” Hoddle said at half time on BT Sport.
“I don’t know if he’s a goalscoring midfield machine, or he’s a purveyor of the ball and he’s going to create loads of play.
“He hasn’t had enough in a blue shirt, that’s for sure.
“This is where he’s at his very best for me, in and around the penalty box.
“There he might have taken the shot. If you’re instincts are of a goalscorer you toe poke that, you poke that past the keeper.
“This is lovely, this little bit of guile, this change of pace that he’s got.
“Look at that, a little slalom in-between those defenders, that’s Hazard-like isn’t it.
“But that’s what he’s got to do time and time again.
“If he’s going to get in a blue shirt regular, he’s got to do that sort of thing.
“Hit the manager right between the eyes.”