'I'm a big fan' – Joe Cole hails two players as Chelsea beat Malmo

Joe Cole says Ruben Loftus-Cheek was ‘excellent’ for Chelsea in their Champions League victory over Malmo and also hailed Ben Chilwell for his impact on the team in recent weeks.

Chelsea moved one step closer to the Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday night after beating Swedish side Malmo 1-0.

The Blues controlled the match and Hakim Ziyech’s second-half tap-in from Callum Hudson-Odoi’s superb cross was enough to separate the sides.

Cole felt it was a ‘routine’ win for the European champions and singled out Loftus-Cheek for praise after the England international impressed on his first Champions League start in six years.

‘It was routine, they got the job done,’ Cole told BT Sport. ‘It wasn’t amazing but there were a lot of positives to take.

‘Ruben Loftus-Cheek was excellent, he delivered tonight. Callum [Hudson-Odoi] made an impact. They got the points in the bag and they can focus on the weekend now.’

Speaking before the Champions League fixture, Cole said he was a ‘big fan’ of Chelsea left back Chilwell, who has scored four goals in his last seven appearances.

‘I’m a big fan of his,’ the former Chelsea and England star added. ‘To come off the Euros, I know he was very disappointed.

‘He’s come back and found himself behind Marcos Alonso, that’s tough as a footballer and you’ve got to dig in and take your chances.

‘He’s looked fit and he’s ideal for that left-wing back role because he’s so good in the final third, some of his finishers have been like a centre-forward.

‘He’s got that composure. I’m pleased for him because he’s a top, top player.’

‘Of course Marcos [Alonso] started the season very well. I knew I had to be patient and bide my time.

‘There is a group of players that want to work hard for the manager, work hard for the club and for each other and whoever gets their opportunity they’re ready.’

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