Former Palace assistant boss Ray Lewington: Loftus-Cheek one of the best players I’ve worked with in my coaching career

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been hailed by former Crystal Palace assistant boss Ray Lewington as “one of the best players” he has worked with during his lengthy managerial career.

The Lewisham-born midfielder, 25, made 25 appearances for the Eagles after a loan switch from Chelsea in the 2017-18 season, writes Edmund Brack.

Lewington said: “Ruben was just an incredible player. Without a doubt he was one of the best players we have worked with – and that includes all the England squads we had.

“Unfortunately he has had so many injuries which have set him back.

“I have never known such a talented boy. Ruben has the stature, the pace, the strength – he has absolutely everything. If he can get himself going, he is a major talent.”

Lewington also believes Eberechi Eze has a huge future. The 22-year-old, born in Greenwich, joined the Eagles from QPR in August 2020.

“He just drops his shoulder and glides past players,” said Lewington.

“Eze is a talented boy. When he has played 50 Premier League games, he will get better and better – he’s growing into it. He is still naive in some of the things he does, but he has so much raw talent.

“He has got the character, strength and spirit. It’s going to be a long road for him [returning from a serious Achilles injury], but he has everything in terms of his mental side of the game to cope with it.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD