Chelsea appointed Frank Lampard as Maurizio Sarri’s successor at Stamford Bridge last summer.
The former midfielder’s arrival at Stamford Bridge coincided with the Blues’ transfer ban, meaning the London club were not allowed to register new players at the start of this season.
Lampard, whether by choice or by force, turned towards the club’s youth system and promoted a handful of youngsters to the first team.
The likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori and Billy Gilmour were given opportunities by Lampard this season.
Chelsea were previously known for sending their youngsters to other clubs on loan.
Even when the players were ready for their first team, the English side’s previous managers didn’t have enough courage to give them a chance. This is according to the club’s loan player technical coach, Tore André Flo.
“Although they are now breaking into the first team, the youth team has actually done tremendously well for a long, long time. The only thing missing was someone who dared to give them the chance, and they finally got it in Frank Lampard,” he said.
Flo also said Lampard’s past connection with Chelsea has been instrumental for the club’s youngsters. In addition to this, their transfer ban last summer meant that Lampard could demand more time from the club and fans to implement his project.
“We who work here have seen several talents who have left Chelsea before they really got the chance,” Flo explained.
“Lampard took a bit of the coaching system in the Chelsea system, so he knows the academy inside out and the players very well. He promised to give the youngsters the chance, and he has kept that going.
“At least the transfer ban has meant that both the club and the supporters give Lampard some time. That time he uses very well and smartly. He has brought both the club and the supporters with him. He will probably have some time to work on his project.”
