Loftus-Cheek banishing Blues with impressive Milan form

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is arguably enjoying the best season of his career. 

The 28-year-old midfielder has flourished since joining AC Milan last June. 

This followed many frustrating seasons at Chelsea that were beset with injuries, loans and being played out of position. 

Ahead of Milan's Serie A clash with champions Napoli on Sunday, we take a look at how Loftus-Cheek is faring in Italy. 

New role

Loftus-Cheek moved to Milan last summer in a move reportedly worth £15million plus add-ons. 

Having often played in a deeper role in his early days at the Italian giants, he is now being used as an attacking midfielder by Stefano Pioli. 

The England international has responded to the responsibility by scoring four goals in his last five Serie A games. 

This included a brace in the 2-2 draw with Bologna, which was the first time he had found the net at the San Siro. 

After the game, he gave his thoughts on his performance. 

Loftus-Cheek said: "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I'm happy to have scored in Milan after doing it away, it was incredible. 

"I would have liked to win but unfortunately it went like this, we'll definitely do it again. 

"Even with [Maurizio] Sarri at Chelsea, I played closer to the striker. I had scored many goals and I am happy to score here at Milan.

"I feel very comfortable in this position because I often enter the penalty area." 

Positional issues

One of the issues Loftus-Check faced at Chelsea was the high turnover of managers who all had differing opinions as to where he should play. 

As a versatile midfielder, he was able to operate in a deep-lying role, in a box-to-box position or off the striker. 

Antonio Conte thought he had potential as a striker. Various managers used him as a right wing-back, while Thomas Tuchel even utilised the physical Londoner as a centre-back. 

Loftus-Cheek has spoken about his lack of a permanent position at Stamford Bridge. 

He said: "I've played in many roles throughout my career. 

"In the last two years, mostly in a defensive position and it wasn't natural for me. 

"I've always liked having the ball at my feet, having the freedom to create, to be decisive. 

"I couldn't do that in the last two seasons. That way of playing didn't make me happy. 

"Now, I play in a position where I have more freedom, so I feel good." 

Rescue mission

Loftus-Cheek is now benefitting from playing in a regular position at a club making a habit of rescuing players from difficult situations at Chelsea. 

At Milan, the Cobham academy graduate is among a number of former Blues team-mates, including Fikayo Tomori, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud. 

All have thrived at the San Siro and Loftus-Cheek has addressed how the move to Italy has improved his game. 

He said: "The teams, they're all tactically good. It’s so hard to break teams down, it's like a chess game. 

"You have to work so much more as a team in Italy, which has improved my game a lot and my learning." 

Once rated as one of the hottest young talents in English football, it has taken a move to Europe in his late-20s for Loftus-Cheek to finally find a nurturing environment.