Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek backed to become a "superstar" by Palace coach Steven Reid
Posted Wednesday, May 02, 2018 by squawka.com
Crystal Palace first team coach Steven Reid says midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has "all the ingredients" to become a "superstar" in English football.
Loftus-Cheek has made 23 appearances across all competitions since joining Palace on loan from Chelsea at the beginning of what has turned out to be an injury-hit season.
The 22-year-old made his England debut against Germany back in November, playing the full 90 minutes, as well as being named man of the match in the goalless draw at Wembley.
But injuries soon began to hamper his campaign, and he has only recently returned to Palace's line-up, scoring a well-taken goal in Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Leicester City.
And Reid, a key member of Roy Hodgson's coaching staff, insists Loftus-Cheek has all the attributes to make the grade at the highest level.
"Ruben Loftus-Cheek could play anywhere, in any position. He has all the ingredients needed to be a superstar," Reid told BBC MOTD2 Extra.
"He's got the size, the stature, two great feet. It's unfortunate that Oxlade-Chamberlain has got injured but sometimes these gaps open up and I'd be surprised if Ruben didn't go to the World Cup."
Should Loftus-Cheek go to the World Cup?
If Loftus-Cheek remains fit and maintains a high level of performance from now until the end of the season, then Gareth Southgate might be tempted to put him on the plane to Russia.
Competition is needed for the likes of Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier in central midfield, while a slot has opened up following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's untimely injury.
Also appearing on BBC MOTD2 Extra was former England striker Alan Shearer, who said: "We are not spoilt for choice in that position.
"Earlier in the year he was man of the match against Germany. He has had problems with injury but he will be fresh.
"On that performance against Leicester, yes, I would take him to the World Cup."
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