Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel sets challenge to unlock his own Yaya Toure
Malmo 0-1 Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel reaction
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Thomas Tuchel has challenged Ruben Loftus-Cheek to “push himself” in order to fulfill his potential following Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League on Tuesday. Hakim Ziyech’s second half goal was enough to seal a slender victory for Tuchel’s men.
The result leaves the Blues in pole position to qualify from Group H – although they remain three points behind current leaders Juventus, who they face later this month.
The Blues have enjoyed a rich vein of form recently, and are still top of the Premier League table while looking set to progress in the Champions League.
After a slow start in Sweden, Loftus-Cheek found his feet and managed to showcase glimpses of his undoubted talent.
The midfield maestro created two big chances for Chelsea during the match – more than anybody else on the pitch.
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The 25-year-old was making his first Champions League start in six years and performed well for the Blues after growing into the game.
Despite being hailed previously as one of Chelsea’s brightest young prospects, Loftus-Cheek’s career has stalled in west London over the past couple of years, mainly due to injuries.
But after some impressive moments against Malmo, Loftus-Cheek had BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand purring, with the ex-Manchester United defender even comparing the Blues midfielder to legendary Manchester City ace Yaya Toure.
“I love Loftus-Cheek,” said Ferdinand on BT Sport. “I’ve always known about him from friends at Chelsea. He’s a fantastic specimen, first and foremost. I liken him, in full flow, to someone like Yaya Toure.”
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And Tuchel was also full of praise for the Chelsea academy graduate, who has managed to muscle his way back into the Blues first team this year, despite a slow start. The German also hinted that the next step was for Loftus-Cheek to showcase his ability on a more consistent basis to ensure those comparisons with Toure can bear fruit in the future.
“I was a bit worried in the first 15 minutes if Ruben can find another gear but I heard before it was his first Champions League match since 2015 from the start,” Tuchel confessed after the match.
“Yeah, I think we can give the boys credit sometimes to be maybe nervous and find their way into the match.
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“I am happy he fought his way through and in the moment it is symbolic for me he does not disappear or stay invisible.
“He wants to dominate opponents, he wants not to just be a part of the game because I think he is too talented to just be a part of the group. He needs to use his full potential – that is the absolute key for him – and if he does like in this moment he can be a big part of the squad.
“That is why I am very happy and after the first 15 minutes, he was involved in a lot of dangerous moments for us. I am happy he pushes himself through these little downs and comes up with another strong performance.
“I am very happy with him and the next step is to show consistency and push himself because the limit can constantly be pushed because he has so much potential.”
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