Ex-Chelsea assistant gives advice to Milan and Loftus-Cheek: ‘One of a kind’ | OneFootball

Former Chelsea assistant Luca Gotti says Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is ‘one of a kind’ and will ‘transform’ if he feels trust from the dressing room, but he ‘hasn’t grown in certain aspects.’

Loftus-Cheek received his first England call-up in over six years during the September break.

Italian coach Gotti, one of Maurizio Sarri’s assistants at Chelsea in 2018-19, worked with RLC during that season at Stamford Bridge, seeing the England midfielder score 10 goals across all competitions.

Gotti: Loftus-Cheek a ‘special’ player

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Luca Gotti head coach of Lecce during the Serie A match between Napoli and Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“Ruben is a special guy, really one of a kind,” Gotti told Gazzetta.

“He had the skills and plays of a real phenomenon, but let’s just say it depended on how the sun was shining and how strong he felt inside. Believe in me, he had qualities I’ve never found in any other player.

“He’s got an incredible shot and top-notch playing timing when making runs into the box. He’s a vertical, modern player. What impressed me the most was how he became dominant when he felt the trust of the dressing room; he would transform,” Gotti continued.

Loftus-Cheek was also a popular figure inside the Chelsea dressing room.

“Surely, that was another plus. I remember Ruben always smiling and joking with everyone,” Gotti added.

“Sometimes in the locker room, they’d even play tricks on him. But he had incredible kindness and a great sense of respect. Let me tell you this: once I ran into the training ground two hours after practice and asked, ‘What are you still doing here?’ He had stayed two hours taking pictures and signing autographs with the fans. ‘I was one of them just a few years ago,’ he told me. You see what I mean?”

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea takes instructions from Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea before coming on a substitute during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Juventus at Stamford Bridge on November 23, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Loftus-Cheek has scored one goal in two Serie A appearances this term and seems to have become a starter under new Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri after a positive pre-season.

“I’ve known Max for many years; we have a great relationship,” Gotti said.

“The first thing I thought was that Allegri, as a player, covered exactly that role. Ruben has much more strength and power, but I see him fitting well in Milan’s midfield.”

Gotti: Loftus-Cheek needs ‘freedom’

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England looks on during a England training session at St Georges Park on September 9, 2018 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

What’s the best way to deploy Loftus-Cheek?

“I think he should be given the freedom to express himself,” Gotti answered.

“He has great bursts and is explosive, but you need to avoid boxing him too much. At Chelsea, for example, Sarri placed a lot of emphasis on the defensive phase, but in his 4-3-3 system, the midfielders had enough freedom to attack the spaces and go for goal. And I’d say the results were clear to see.”

There are, however, still a few shortcomings Loftus-Cheek needs to improve, according to Gotti.

“The fact that he hasn’t grown in certain aspects. I’m talking about Ruben as a young man,” said the ex-Lecce and Udinese coach.

“Six years have passed, and I still see him a big behind in some areas. I’m thinking of concentrating over the 90 minutes, maintaining consistency, and becoming increasingly effective. He has to learn to keep the light on for as long as possible throughout the match. Because when he shines, he’s a joy to watch.”