Ruben Loftus-Cheek

I had problems growing up. I had a sudden growth spurt at 15 or 16, and I got a lot of injuries as a result. I gained all this muscle, and my bones couldn't cope. I used to get so tired.

I'm not one to bow under immense pressure. I know how to deal with it. As a youth player growing up and playing for England, you deal with it then and get used to it. You just carry on into the bigger stages, and it has become natural to me.

As a youth player, I played for England and got used to it, and I have just to carry it on to the bigger stage.

I'm glad I came to Palace because I am getting the game time I wanted. I am also learning to fight with some good players.

To compare players at different stages in their career shouldn't happen.

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

I'm not afraid of any competition. I'm not going to be intimidated by any player or team. That is fundamental in football if you want to do well.

I do some yoga, but it's just about managing my back because that step up physically to men's football is big. I know I look big and strong, but it's still hard on my body. But I'm feeling stronger and stronger the more I play.

I'd had success with the junior England teams.

I feel like a first-team Premier League player at Palace.

I'd been at Chelsea for a while and progressed quite quickly until I got to the first team, and then it was different. I was used to playing every minute of every game, but when you get to that level, the step up is massive. There are world-class players in front of you, and no matter how talented you are, breaking in is difficult.

I definitely don't want to be compared with Dele anymore.