Ruben Loftus-Cheek admits Chelsea departure was at the right time for his career

Crystal Palace midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek says it was the right time to leave Chelsea in order to play Premier League minutes Crystal Palace midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek says it was the right time to leave Chelsea in order to play Premier League minutes

Ruben Loftus-Cheek insists it was the right time to leave Chelsea following his season-long loan move to Crystal Palace earlier this summer.

The midfielder endured a disappointing start to life at the south London side after a 3-0 home defeat to Huddersfield on the opening day of the season, but is happy to be a part of the first-team set-up.

Loftus-Cheek played more Premier League minutes in his Crystal Palace debut than the whole of last season at Chelsea, and the 21-year old admits it is time to now get his career back on track.

Loftus-Cheek made his Crystal Palace Premier League debut against Huddersfield on Saturday

"It's tough being at Chelsea," Loftus-Cheek said.

"It's a massive club with really good players so you don't get the opportunity every weekend."

The England U21 international, who is a graduate of the Chelsea academy, remains positive at the season ahead under manager Frank de Boer, despite their laboured start.

"Coming to Palace, I'm really excited to be playing. There's still massive competition here," he added.

The midfielder has been a part of the England U21 set-up since 2015

Palace's defeat to Premier League's latest additions Huddersfield highlighted questions over de Boer's 3-4-3 formation.

The Dutchman opted for the new-look style in pre-season though it proved to be a weakness against David Wagner's side.

Frank de Boer has adopted a 3-4-3 at the south London club since arriving earlier this summer

However, Loftus-Cheek claims the formation is still at an early stage and hopes it will soon start to fall in place for the new boss.

"I just think it's a new system and things take time," he said.

"We can't just - the first time you play a new system - be perfect at everything.

"We're working really hard on the training ground to smooth stuff over - in time hopefully we'll get it perfect."