Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson says Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one of the best players he’s worked with.

The Chelsea midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Eagles last season, starting 21 of their 38 league games.

Loftus-Cheek’s form caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate, who named the 22-year-old in his 23-man World Cup squad.

“He has got all the qualities you are looking for in a central midfielder,” said Hodgson.

“In the games he has played [at Crystal Palace], he has been almost our best player in every one of them.

“We have Wilfried Zaha of course, but he has certainly been on his coat-tails. I have not worked with many players better than Ruben Loftus-Cheek and what he can be.

“He has the chance to be a really top player at club and international level because he doesn't have any weaknesses.”