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Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Chelsea star praised after two quick goals vs BATE Borisov
CHELSEA midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek made the dream start to tonight’s Europa League clash against BATE Borisov.
Chelsea train ahead of BATE Borisov match
England international Loftus-Cheek has been starved of first-team football at Chelsea this season.
He is yet to start in the Premier League and had made just three appearances in all competitions before this evening.
However, the 22-year-old was given a chance against BATE and grabbed it with both hands.
Within two minutes Loftus-Cheek had put Chelsea in front - his first goal for the Blues in over two years.
Chelsea vs BATE Borisov LIVE
Loftus-Cheek arriving, all he has to do is make a good contact, sweeping it into the far corner. He executes it perfectly
Davide Zappacosta pulled back a low cross which Loftus-Cheek swept home.
And just six minutes later the midfielder had another, turning home a Willian corner from close range.
Tottenham legend Clive Allen was co-commentating on the game for BT Sport.
And he was impressed with the finish from Loftus-Cheek for his first of the night for Chelsea.
“Well there’s a way to get off to a flying start,” Allen said.
“It comes from great work from Zappacosta down that right-hand side.
“He breaks the tackle and then he delivers a beautiful cross, pulling it back towards the edge of the box.
“Loftus-Cheek arriving, all he has to do is make a good contact, sweeping it into the far corner. He executes it perfectly.
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“Zappacosta makes ground, a lovely little cut back inside.
“And when he drills that back towards the penalty spot, the arriving Loftus-Cheek, unmarked, really strikes it well, sweeping it into the far corner.
“I don’t think the goalkeeper’s touched the ball, he’s gone to pick it out of the back of the net.”
Loftus-Cheek completed his hat-trick after half time as Chelsea ran out 3-1 winners.