The Cobham graduate has featured regularly this season, with Loftus-Cheek being one of the first names on Potter’s Chelsea team-sheet whether in central midfield or at right wing-back.

The midfielder, who has spent time on loan at Crystal Palace and Fulham in recent years, spoke to the media ahead of our Champions League tie with RB Salzburg and pinpointed his recent success to feeling ‘good’ within himself.

‘I’m very happy with the time I’ve had on the pitch,’ Ruben told journalists present at the RB Arena. ‘I’m feeling as strong and as quick and as fit as I’ve been for a long time.

‘That’s great because I missed a bit of pre-season but I worked hard [to get back fit] and I feel good now. No complaints.’

The midfielder also praised Potter for the faith he’s shown in him, revealing that he’s had several conversations with the head coach since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

That faith in him is paying off on the pitch, with Ruben keen to repay Potter with more consistent performances as we continue in a busy period of fixtures against RB Salzburg on Tuesday evening, knowing a win will see us qualify for the knockout stage of the competition we won in 2020.

‘I’ve had a few chats with the gaffer when he first came in,’ added Ruben. ‘We spoke about where he sees me playing and what he feels I can achieve.

‘It’s good to discuss things and he explained his plans and where he sees me fitting in, which was nice to know.

‘It felt very ‘fresh’ when he came in. He’s had these sorts of chats with every player and I think all the lads are benefiting from these discussions, so it’s very good for us.

‘I feel like I’m in a moment in my career at Chelsea where I’m impacting games and I feel a big part of the squad, helping the team.

‘That’s not always been the case for me at Chelsea, for various reasons, but now I’m in the position it feels great.

‘That’s what I’ve wanted to feel since I was 17 or 18 and now I just want to kick on and keep hold of that feeling.’