Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been described as the future of Chelsea by Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness.
The 23-year-old has made 35 appearances for the Blues in all competitions this season, after spending last season on loan at Crystal Palace and featuring for England at the World Cup in Russia last summer.
But he was a surprise omission from the starting line-up for Chelsea's match against Manchester United at Old Trafford this afternoon (Sunday), at least in the eyes of the pundits in the studio for Sky Sports.
"When we’re looking at United and Chelsea , the whole rebuilding process that has to go on to Chelsea. They’re so reliant on that one man [Eden] Hazard to keep them in games," said former Arsenal Women's player Alex Scott.
"I’m surprised [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek is not in the starting line-up. The one man that can dribble out and free up space for Hazard. That’s a surprise for me."
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And former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness echoed Scott's thoughts, adding that he felt Loftus-Cheek should have started the game at Old Trafford.
"He’s a goal threat. [Mateo] Kovacic has played 73 times for Real Madrid. I’ll say it again. He played 73 times for Real Madrid who are always on the front foot, and he scored one goal.
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"An attacking midfield player that doesn’t score goals. He might prove me wrong. I think Loftus-Cheek should be in the team, he’s the future."
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