Lewis Baker now of Leeds, has a different career path to Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Two years ago Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Baker starred as England won the Toulon tournament.
Baker was the star, finishing as top scorer for England’s under-20s side.
It was the next step in a blossoming partnership between the two Chelsea prospects, who had won all before them at club youth level.
Now summer 2018, and while one is starring for England at the World Cup in Russia, the other is beginning a spell at the fifth loan club of his career, Leeds United.
Lewis Baker finalised his loan switch to Leeds at the weekend, another club where he is trying his luck outside the top flight.
Now 23, Baker was supposed to be further along in his development than he finds himself, but Loftus-Cheek’s success must inspire him.
Loftus-Cheek was in a similar position prior to this year, directionless at Chelsea, not in Antonio Conte’s plans.
One successful loan spell with Crystal Palace turned it all around, and he finds himself in the England squad at the World Cup.
That has to inspire Baker, that if he can crack it at Leeds, bigger rewards can come his way too.
All he needs is one big season to get his career back on track.
Starring for Leeds may not get him into the England side, but it will nudge him back in an upwards direction, and if he can lead the Whites to promotion, Euro 2018 will become a legitimate personal target for him to aim at next summer.
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