Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek insists he is working harder than ever to adapt to new manager Maurizio Sarri’s style of play.

The Italian coach sets his teams out in a 4-3-3 formation, something a lot of players at Chelsea won’t necessarily be used to with former manager Conte preferring a system with 5 at the back.

Loftus-Cheek has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, after his obvious talents are often ignored by Chelsea managers of the past. But the England international is determined to fight for his place with the Blues, and says he is working to learn Sarri’s style so he can become a regular.

“The boys are working really hard trying to understand how the boss wants us to play, on and off the ball, and it will only get better,” said Loftus Cheek.

“Playing in a 4-3-3 in an attacking midfield position is kind of my position really, my suited position, so hopefully I can bring my best football to the team.

“I have just got to work hard, try and play my best football, and try and get as much time on the pitch as possible. You can only really set specific targets when you know you are playing every week, so for me it is just a case of getting my head down, working hard, trying to understand the manager’s tactics and going from there.

“We [Palace] had a period at the start where we did not get a win for seven games. I have experienced that and it was not nice. And I have experienced a good run at the end as well, and a decent run in the middle, so I feel like I experienced a lot in one season – different managers as well.

“The loan did me really good. I feel like I have got that experience of a Premier League season now, and international football as well. I feel more mature as a player to help battle for three points every game.”

The midfielder is clearly extremely talented, and he would be a top signing for most clubs in the world. It’s time for Loftus-Cheek to get his chance at Chelsea, can Sarri be the man to finally put his trust in him?