According to a recent report by The Metro, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard might have just gotten the best compliment of his career so far from former Stamford Bridge hero Eden Hazard. The Belgian spoke to reporters while on international duty, and when asked about the progress that Chelsea have made since his departure, his face seemed to light up.
He said that the Blues resurgence wasn’t unexpected and that Frank Lampard has proven in four months that he can be one of the best managers in the world. He even went on to compliment Chelsea’s young English stars for the work they’re putting it on the pitch. Hazard further went on to make a controversial claim by saying that the Blues could be first on the table if they simply add two or three more players to the squad.
What Is The Current Squad Situation At Stamford Bridge?
The Blues have looked rather strong in most areas of the pitch in recent weeks, but throughout the season, their defence has leaked a lot of unnecessary goals. It’s come to the point where whenever the opposition has a set-piece anywhere in the Blues’ third, they end up scoring a goal. Although Lampard has been able to deal with it to a certain extent, the fragility is still clear to see and will be a concern.
In the middle of the park though, Chelsea look pretty stacked in terms of squad depth as well as variation of skill-sets. Although Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have been the standout players so far this term, the returns of N’Golo Kante, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will give Lampard an enjoyable kind of selection problem.
Despite Christian Pulisic’s sudden surge in form, the Blues’ other attackers have pitched in equally as well. Except for veteran stars Pedro and Olivier Giroud, all the attackers have stepped up in key moments for their team. Willian’s work-rate and loyalty to the badge has been a feature of the Blues’ play this season, while super-sub Michy Batshuayi never fails to impress when coming off the bench.
How Have The Blues Done So Far This Term?
Frank Lampard’s side currently finds themselves in third place, a point above faltering champions Manchester City. Their form table is the best in the league having won all of their last six league games. The Blues haven’t lost away in the league since the opening day defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford and have gone on to win five on the trot now.
In Tammy Abraham, the Blues boast the league’s second top scorer with ten, just a goal off high-flying Jamie Vardy. Their progress in the UEFA Champions League this season has been commendable as well – after losing their opening game of the group stage, the Blues went on to outclass Ajax in a thrilling 4-4 draw on gameweek 4 to pull the group back in their favour.
What Can Chelsea Fans Expect Out Of This Season?
They have been over-performing consistently for quite a few months now, and it’s questionable whether they’ll be able to sustain this blistering form until the end of what promises to be a long and frustrating season. A Champions League spot will be the minimum expectation at this point, especially with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham struggling to get into any kind of form.
If there was anyone who could pull of a miracle with this young Chelsea side, it had to be someone deeply rooted to Stamford Bridge. At least in the short term, there’s no one better for the job than the Blues’ own Super Frankie Lampard.
