Chelsea boss Frank Lampard (Getty Images)
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has insisted that young talents like Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount are “here to stay”, despite their transfer ban being lifted (h/t Sky Sports).
Youngsters Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Fikayo Tomori have all broken through this season, with Chelsea forced to turn to academy products after a two-window transfer ban was imposed on them by FIFA in February. The academy graduates have flourished without an influx of new signings but changes could be made in January since the ban has been lifted.
However, Chelsea’s decision to promote their youth players has paid off richly, as several youngsters have made a name for themselves under the new manager.
Given the Chelsea hierarchy’s ruthless reputation for sacking managers who fail to produce results, Lampard might be tempted to dip into the transfer market. While a few areas could use reinforcements, the former Derby County manager must not forego his squad of young and talented players.
Chelsea’s transfer ban initially put Lampard in a difficult position since it prevented the club from upgrading their squad. As a result, it could significantly impair their chances of winning silverware on a short-term basis.
As far as the team is concerned, the Blues have looked particularly bare at centre-back – even more so after the loss of David Luiz, who joined Arsenal on deadline day. But in Tomori, they now have a solid defender.
After a demoralizing 4-0 loss to Manchester United, Lampard and his troops have done well to recover. They have managed 9 wins in 16 games under the Englishman. If not for a bad run of 10 days, Chelsea would have been even higher in the table.
The transfer ban seemingly changed Chelsea’s trend of loaning out young players and signing proven performers, with Mount and Abraham along with fellow academy graduates Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Reece James, representing the first tangible proof of the Chelsea academy’s success in developing young players and transitioning them to the first-team.
Mount, in particular, was impressive throughout Chelsea’s pre-season campaign, scoring three goals. He has continued that form into the season and has become a vital cog in the Chelsea line-up. Mount has scored 5 goals in 16 matches so far.
Abraham, on the other hand, has done even better. One of the best strikers this season, he is also in the race for the Golden Boot award. In 15 matches, the striker has racked up a stunning 11 goals and has assisted a further 3. He also scored a gorgeous hat-trick against Wolves in the Premier League.
With Chelsea now having money to spend in January, they should not think twice before sorting out the left-back slot. Neither Alonso nor Emerson has done enough to convince the manager. A couple of signings must be targeted to preserve tempo with their rivals but Lampard should continue to utilize the academy stars at his disposal.