Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes that Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek must build on his international debut and deliver more consistent performances.
The 21-year-old earned his first ever senior cap for the England national team who came away with a 0-0 draw against Germany at Wembley Stadium on Friday evening.
The midfielder played the full 90 minutes against the world champions and his display received plaudits from both supporters and journalists alike.
Loftus-Cheek has enjoyed more game time at club level thanks to his loan move from the Premier League champions to Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window.
Although the Eagles have endured a terrible start to the campaign and he has failed to contribute with a single goal so far, the midfielder has evidently grown in confidence in every match and he has begun to stamp his authority in more matches.
Speaking at Leatherhead after opening a new all-weather pitch funded by the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, pundit Redknapp revealed that he is still expecting more from the youngster as the season progresses.
“He’s got all the attributes, the physicality, the touch and the finesse and when he runs with the ball he’s got all the power, but I think he can do more,” he said as quoted on the Sky Sports website.
“I think he can boss games from start to finish, he is so strong, he’s 6ft 3in, but he could do it more often.
“He’s had a few injuries early in the season, but what he’s shown is that if he plays with better players he is a better player.
“I thought he was exceptional on Friday night and I hope he plays against Brazil.”
OPINION
Unfortunately for Loftus-Cheek, all eyes will be on the midfielder following his impressive performance for England which could lead to more people looking to scrutinise him. Due to the fact that he has burst onto the scene so early, we can forget that he is only 21 and only the best are capable of producing the goods consistently at such a young age. The most important things for the youngster is that he is playing football on weekly basis and the current struggle for Premier League survival at Palace will only make him stronger both mentally and physically. He certainly deserves to be playing the next friendly against Brazil but he shouldn’t be criticised if he fails to deliver once again and he is still learning.