The radical alter in the mood at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening could not have been starker than that after Graham Potter's first game in charge against Red Bull Salzburg almost a month ago.
There was the slamming of chairs in frustration, a smattering of boos and the general feeling of exhaustion in a challenging year following a demoralising 1-1 draw. After AC Milan, the opening words of 'One Step Beyond' by Madness are the signal that the Bridge has just seen a memorable performance.
This was arguably the most free-flowing and enjoyable since the defeat of another Italian giant, Juventus, in November of last year. One of the names that helped engineer such positive energy was Ruben Loftus-Cheek, starting his first Champions League game this season alongside Mateo Kovacic in a 3-4-3.
READ MORE: Christopher Nkunku Chelsea transfer audition justifies Todd Boehly call for Graham Potter plan
Loftus-Cheek might not gain the plaudits of his exceptional academy peer, Reece James, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netting for the second game running or Thiago Silva putting on another defensive clinic. But he absolutely deserves recognition for a display of aggression, tenacity and intelligence. Offering balance to an undeniably problematic area of the pitch for Chelsea that needs resolving.
It was a year ago when Loftus-Cheek's social media termed 'Rubentada' began. Cruyff-turning his way to raised eyebrows away at Brentford to much praise in the centre of Thomas Tuchel's midfield. Under a month later, the German would be lavishing praise onto him again following a win away at Malmo.
"He wants to dominate opponents, he wants not just to be a part of the game because I think he is too talented just to be a part of the group," Tuchel noted. "He needs to use his full potential - that is the absolute key for him - and if he does like in this moment, he can be a big part of the squad.
Few would argue Loftus-Cheek was one of the Blues' outstanding players last season, but then, even the thought of Loftus-Cheek reviving his Chelsea career in any serious way felt a little fanciful. Whilst he was on loan at Fulham, just trying to regain some trust in his own body after a devastating Achilles injury.
But there were high points, a goal against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final and an impressive outing at the Bernabeu in a right wing-back role against Real Madrid showcased the versatility common among Cobham graduates.
Although there has been much turmoil at Stamford Bridge, Loftus-Cheek has quietly gone about being one of the more consistent performers. Impressing in a hybrid wing-back and midfield role against Spurs. He also showed good drive further up the field in the win over Leicester, with the only blot coming in a chaotic first-half performance at Southampton, where a lack of balance in Chelsea's structure was badly exposed.
But he offered a calming presence for Potter from the bench at Selhurst Park over the weekend, adding more assuredness to an area that looked in danger of being overrun earlier in the same game. He was rewarded for a start in a defining group game, and he rose to the challenge.
The subtle nature of Loftus-Cheek this season is in contrast to the obvious game-changing talent many hoped he would develop into at Chelsea. Under Maurizio Sarri he was, for a brief period, the electric youth talent-changing games James is now. Many have seen him as a progressive attacking midfielder, getting the ball from deep and accelerating into the box. Sporadically we still see glimpses of that Ruben, the one from Spring 2019, but in this more retracted role, a level of discipline and sacrifice is required.
He was aggressively combative into tackles when needed against the Serie A champions, he averted the visitors' press to open up the pitch and progress the ball. There were clever interceptions and smart adjustments to win fouls, alleviating pressure from Chelsea, a trait that frequently annoyed Charles De Ketelaere. In the second half, when Chelsea ramped up the intensity and pulled away from Milan, Loftus-Cheek was there to maintain attacks or ensure the tempo did not dwindle.
Potter will hopefully be aided by a returning N'Golo Kante in the coming weeks, but he is likely aware of how fleeting those long stretches of an available Kante are now. He needs alternatives and options to trust in a demanding run of games before the World Cup, and this was a performance to sit up and take notice from Loftus-Cheek, showcasing a player refusing to fade to the fringes.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea player ratings vs AC Milan as Reece James shows class, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang clincial
Joe Cole gives Chelsea honest verdict on Rafael Leao as Todd Boehly prepares AC Milan talks
Chelsea star Wesley Fofana leaves Stamford Bridge on crutches after injury against AC Milan
Chelsea have cheap N'Golo Kante transfer backup plan as Todd Boehly finally makes contract call
