Ruben Loftus-Cheek admits Maurizio Sarri is proving a demanding taskmaster but insists he would be foolish not to heed the advice of the Chelsea head coach and focus on improving the defensive side of his game.

The midfielder’s hat-trick in Thursday’s Europa League victory over BATE Borisov on only his second start of the season strengthened his case for more regular involvement. But while Sarri admitted after the game the youngster is adapting quickly to his methods, the Italian insisted he expects more from the player.

Having won a place in England’s World Cup squad on the back of a successful season-long loan at Crystal Palace, Loftus-Cheek returned to Stamford Bridge determined to make a significant impact this season. Sarri’s concerns about the player’s defensive contribution have stalled his progress but the 22-year-old, though, insists he is learning fast and that his relationship with his coach is strong.

“He is asking me to improve defensively and positionally,” said Loftus-Cheek. “We are working on it every day in training and he is very demanding with the team. He is so demanding on shape, but also wants you to play freely as well, which I why we can play such free flowing football. It is really good work.