"His potential is very, very high. Physically and tactically he is improving. He can become one of the best in Europe." Maurizio Sarri, March 2019.
It's almost three years since the Italian delivered that verdict in his customary deadpan style. There was little emotion behind the words, no sense of excitement. It was a dispassionate analysis.
The player in question was Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who grew in importance as the 2018/19 season progressed. He started out as a squad option, a player to bring in for Europa League games, but ended the campaign as Chelsea's most influential attacking presence behind Eden Hazard. He was a revelation.
