Chelsea
boss Antonio Conte says he is pleased with the development of Ruben
Loftus-Cheek as a striker.
When he joined the club in July, Conte said he believed the Blues academy
graduate's long-term future was up-front despite spending most of his youth
career in central midfield.
Loftus-Cheek was used up-front with Michy Batshuayi as Chelsea beat Bristol
Rovers 3-2 in the EFL Cup second round on Tuesday, and Conte heaped praise
on the 20-year-old.
"I like him because he played a good game and with good intensity, and he
did what I wanted," Conte said.
"In defensive situations he became a midfield player and when attacking he
became a forward. I'm happy with his commitment and his attitude. I think he
has great potential as a player.
"He can improve a lot and I am pleased because I see him every day during
the training sessions and he wants to improve, he wants to work very hard. I
like this.
"I think he has the right characteristics to play as a striker because he
has it all. He is physically strong and he is very good to play from back
(to goal) and also, with good technique, he sees the goal very well and has
a good shot. I think he can play also in this role.
"He stays here. I repeat it is right to improve the player in the squad but
also to give the opportunity to a young player like Loftus-Cheek, with a
great talent, to stay with the first team and to help us."
Conte was asked whether he thought John Terry should end his self-imposed
England exile but insisted that was a matter for his captain and England
boss Sam Allardyce.
"I'm a former international team coach so I know this situation and prefer
it to be solved between Sam Allardyce and John Terry. That's the right way,"
former Italy boss Conte said.
"John Terry has a great attitude during training and is working very hard.
I'm very happy with his commitment.
"But for the international team, it is important for it to be solved between
Sam Allardyce and John Terry."
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