Chelsea transfer news: Should Ruben Loftus-Cheek stay with the Blues this season? (Image: GETTY)
That’s the advice of Blues legend Dennis Wise, who believes the 22-year-old needs to prove he’s a worthy starter at Stamford Bridge.
Loftus-Cheek spent the previous season on loan at Crystal Palace and impressed, with his performances earning him a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
He made 24 appearances for the Eagles before going on to feature four times in Russia for England.
The midfield ace is said to be seeking assurances over his playing time with reports suggesting he could seek another loan move if he is not guaranteed more minutes on the pitch for Chelsea.
Sarri’s midfield is well populated with Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and new signing Jorginho all competing for starting spots.
The Italian coach left Loftus-Cheek out of the squad for yesterday’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City but Wise has urged the England star to stay where he is this season and show he can compete for the Blues.
Chelsea transfer news: Dennis Wise has encouraged Loftus-Cheek to stay (Image: GETTY)
Sometimes you have to go away, prove you’ve got a worth to you and then come back and produce
Chelsea legend Dennis Wise
“I think Loftus-Cheek now needs to stay,” Wise told the Daily Star.
“I think he’s proved himself capable. I think he needs to compete for places as well.
“I think what is really pleasing is seeing Loftus-Cheek wants to come back early.
“He’s come back a week earlier than expected which I think is brilliant, it shows his desire to want to compete for places this year and wants to do well for the football club.
“And I think he’s a talented boy and I think what he’s done, he’s gone away, and he’s had to go away, and he’s gone and proved himself.
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Chelsea transfer news: Ruben Loftus-Cheek is considering going out on loan again (Image: GETTY)
“Sometimes you have to go away, prove you’ve got a worth to you and then come back and produce.
“Which I think is what he’s done so that’s what I mean about personnel that are starting to come back into it.
“They’re young, they’re not old players and I think that’s what I like about it.
“Players that kind of never really were given a chance before but now know that there’s an opportunity.”
Last week, another former Blue urged new boss Sarri to put his trust in the young players at Stamford Bridge.
Craig Burley wants to see more youth given a chance and believes Loftus-Cheek can lead the charge.
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“There are a lot of good young players at Stamford Bridge and they may have to bring some of them into the squad,” Burley said.
“Loftus-Cheek is the big one. He looked so comfortable with England, and there were a lot of people questioning why he wasn’t getting more of a chance with Chelsea.
“He showed huge composure when he got the chance at the World Cup and he has everything. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick, a nice touch and now has great experience on a huge stage.
“I don’t understand why he and players of his ilk – and there has to be more – won’t get more of an opportunity.
“Lets see what Maurizio Sarri is like and whether he’s prepared to give the club’s young players a chance.”