3 players who would be key for Chelsea under Lampard this season
Former Chelsea favourite Frank Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer, replacing Maurizio Sarri as manager following the Italian’s departure.
Whilst a return to the club where he spent 13 trophy-laden years as a player may represent a ‘dream job’ for the 41-year-old, Chelsea haven’t had the start they were looking for in the new Premier League campaign.
The Blues were hammered 4-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford but they gave a better account of themselves in the Super Cup defeat to Liverpool, only losing the contest on penalties. They were held to a 1-1 draw vs Leicester City this weekend.
These are the early days for Frank Lampard but he has to start getting positive results quickly if he is to stay at the Stamford Bridge throne for a long period of time.
The summer exit of star playmaker Eden Hazard to Real Madrid and the transfer ban meant Christian Pulisic was the only new arrival in Lampard’s squad.
But the 41-year-old manager will no doubt turn to the club’s youth ranks and look to bring through some of Chelsea’s young guns. He’ll have to mix youth with experience if the Blues are to have a successful 2019/20 campaign.
That being said, here are three players who would be key for Chelsea under Lampard this season.
1. Christian Pulisic
As mentioned earlier, Pulisic was the only arrival at Stamford Bridge due to the club’s transfer ban.
The young USA international has already shown glimpses of his talent, turning in a solid performance against Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup. His pace, movement and dribbling skills make him such a threat and he is expected to fill the big void left by Eden Hazard.
Pulisic is the real deal and has what it takes to become a regular for Chelsea. Under the guidance of Frank Lampard and Jody Morris, the American can really flourish and become a star at Stamford Bridge.
2. Mason Mount
Mount is a player who is highly rated by Lampard, having been pivotal under the new Chelsea manager at Derby County in the Championship last season. He had a superb season in the Championship, bagging 11 goals and 6 assists in 43 games for the Rams.
The 20-year-old was a menace for the United defenders at Old Trafford and also did well after coming off the bench in the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Liverpool.
A classy operator of the ball, Mount’s potential is huge and it will be fascinating to see if Lampard can accelerate his development as the expectations increase.
3. Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea have looked sloppy and disorganised at the back so far, conceding 7 goals in three games. Lampard has preferred the partnership of Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen due to Antonio Rudiger’s injury.
Rudiger underwent surgery on his knee earlier this year, which ruled him out of the final few games of the 2018/19 season. He was arguably Chelsea’s best defender last season and is expected to be the leader of Lampard’s defence following David Luiz’s departure to Arsenal.
Undoubtedly, the Germany international would play a key role in helping Lampard’s side reach their targets this season.
