Gary Neville has launched a staunch defence over Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Loftus-Cheek is currently on loan at Fulham as he continues his development on his second loan spell, following time at Crystal Palace the season before last.
The 24-year-old has featured regularly for Fulham so far this season in what has been a very difficult start to life back in the Premier League for the Craven Cottage side.
And on Monday night, the Chelsea midfielder impressed to help his loan club to only their second win over the season, Scott Parker's men defeating Leicester City away from home.
After that game, Loftus-Cheek was discussed on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football and a particular comment from Jamie Carragher did not go down well with fellow pundit Neville.
When asked if it was a big season for the midfielder, Carragher quickly said: “We say that every season!”
But Neville didn't see it that way, making his point clear to Carragher, responding: "He needs to play every week, play 40 games a season, year in, year out and have consistency and belief, and I’m sure he’ll have a great career.”
He added: “I take offence to statements like that because you’re judging him against expectations he hasn’t set for himself.
“What Jamie’s judging him against is the expectations. He didn’t set those expectations. He’s got a massive talent, he hasn’t played enough games to have a chance to show his full potential yet.”
Loftus-Cheek has been at Chelsea since the age of eight and there are still hopes he can cut it in the Blues first team, but with Frank Lampard blessed for options in midfield - and perhaps all over the pitch following an active transfer window - the 24-year-old is having to prove himself from afar.
Performances like the one against Leicester on Monday night will certainly help as he looks to impress those back at Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.
