England manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed his admiration for AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, suggesting that the player may not fully realize his own capabilities. Tuchel`s comments come as Loftus-Cheek receives a call-up to the national team after a nearly seven-year absence.
“It`s always been a pleasure to work with Ruben,” Tuchel stated during a press conference. “He`s an incredibly friendly and polite individual with a great sense of humor. More importantly, he possesses immense talent.”
Tuchel added, “At times, I wonder if he truly understands how good he is or can be. His character and skill set allow him to integrate seamlessly into the team, which he demonstrated immediately upon joining.”
Loftus-Cheek`s impact at AC Milan
Despite facing injury setbacks, Loftus-Cheek has made significant contributions to AC Milan since his €18.9 million transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. In 71 competitive matches for the Serie A club, he has scored 11 goals and provided three assists.
The 29-year-old midfielder is now vying for a spot in England`s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. His last appearance for the national team was in a friendly match against the USA in November 2018, which England won 3-0.
Loftus-Cheek`s performances at AC Milan have not only earned him a recall to the England squad but have also showcased his development as a player. Tuchel`s comments suggest that there may be even more potential for the midfielder to unlock as he continues his career in Italy.