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Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek urged to pursue 'two-year loan' on one condition
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK has been advised to go on a two-year loan if he continues to get limited playing time at Chelsea.
That is according to former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
The Chelsea midfielder scored three goals in just his third appearance under Maurizio Sarri as Chelsea overcame BATE Borisov 3-1 in the Europa League.
Loftus-Cheek struck his first two minutes in, tucking away from 12 yards after Davide Zappacosta pulled back an inviting ball.
He added another six minutes later from a corner, flicking on Willian’s corner to bag an unexpected brace.
This is the most important moment of his career, now he has shown everyone what he's capable of
As the game petered out, the Englishman managed to bag a memorable hat-trick - Chelsea’s first in Europe since Didier Drogba in 2006.
Loftus-Cheek has the goalkeeper to thank, however, after a reserved curling effort from 20 yards was pushed into the side netting.
Looking on, Hargreaves was impressed by the man whose form on-loan for Crystal Palace last season earned him a spot in England’s World Cup squad.
"There's been a lot of talk about Ruben Loftus-Cheek recently,” Hargreaves said.
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— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 25, 2018
Ruben Loftus-Cheek starts and finishes the move to complete a memorable hat-trick ������
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“And tonight he was an unstoppable force - I think this performance can turn his Chelsea career around.
"Loftus-Cheek has everything - but tonight he has specialised.
“He's a goalscoring midfielder now. He can give that to his manager now.”
Loftus-Cheek has only made 61 senior club appearances in his five-year professional career.
Hargreaves believes a loan deal may suit the 22-year-old if he is to flourish.
"This is the most important moment of his career, now he has shown everyone what he's capable of," he added.
“Now, he needs to show he can do it again, he needs to show that he can become a feature.
“And if he can't do it at Chelsea, he needs to go on a two-year loan."