ENGLAND will look to take on the world in slightly more attacking manner during this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
After the horror show that was Euro 2016 – and the World Cup two years prior – Gareth Southgate could ask his players to take the attack to the opposition with more purpose.
Getting the ball on the ground and running at defences could be the way to go in Russia, with stars including Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling skilled dribblers.
However, neither of those stars even come close to Ruben Loftus-Cheek – officially England‘s best dribbler in the 2017-18 season.
In fact, the English midfielder, 22, ranks equal 19th in Europe when it comes to his success running with the ball, according to the CIES Football Observatory.
In what is proving to be a real breakout season – having already impressed on his England debut in November – the ex-Chelsea star has another reason to be happy.
Amongst all players in Europe’s Big Five Leagues, there are officially only 18 players better on the ball.
Out in front is Chelsea star Eden Hazard, who boasts 6.4 completed dribbles per 90 minutes at a 75 per cent success rate.
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Meanwhile, Loftus-Cheek’s numbers aren’t far off at 3.2 and 62 per cent respectively.
Former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Lionel Messi complete a star-studded top three… but it’s the Premier League that dominates the top 20.
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Of players to rank in the uppermost echelon, NINE come from England’s top flight.
Tottenham Mousa Dembele sits level fourth, with Arthur Masuaku a surprise name in seventh place.
Southampton pair Sofiane Boufal and Mario Lemina sit eighth and ninth respectively, while Andre Carillo sits equal 12th… with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba.
Joining Loftus-Cheek in 19th is Crystal Palace team-mate Wilfried Zaha – as the Eagles pair sit above the likes of Kylian Mbappe (24th) and Paulo Dybala (26th).
Prem stars Leroy Sane (29th), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez (both =33rd), Manuel Lanzini (40th), Mohamed Salah (43rd), Andros Townsend, Willian and Rajiv van la Parra (all =47th) are also in the top 50.
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