Ruben Loftus-Cheek reminds me of Michael Ballack – Glenn Hoddle

Hoddle, also a former Chelsea manager, said the 20-year-old has what it takes to emulate the German, who spent four years at Stamford Bridge late in his career.

Loftus-Cheek starred for Chelsea in the comprehensive 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday and Hoddle sees a lot of similarities in his play to the 2002 World Cup runner-up.

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“He reminds me of Ballack – physically and the way he plays,” Hoddle told BT Sport.

“He gets in the box and he moves well off the ball. He likes that position in behind the front player. Whether he’s going to get those opportunities I’m not sure.

“You’ve got [Eden] Hazard and Oscar who want to play there. Willian has appeared in that position and they might go and buy somebody else.

“He’s got a lot of challenges to get that position but he’s a prospect.”

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has given Loftus-Cheek opportunities to distinguish himself with the midfielder having racked up 12 appearances in all competitions for the club so far this season.

It’s a big statement from Hoddle, but there is no doubting Loftus-Cheek’s potential. His athleticism and presence in midfield has given Chelsea a real boost and his penchant for popping up in attacking areas was demonstrated perfectly against Villa as he scored a first-half goal. Ballack led Germany to the 2002 World Cup final and achieved a great deal in the game, but who is to say that Loftus-Cheek cannot emulate him if he continues to develop at Stamford Bridge.