Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi should become a key player in Frank Lampard

Cesar Azpilicueta admitted that the course from academy to first team in Chelsea was not easy, but he helped top young people like Callum Hudson-Odoi to become key players under Frank Lampard.

Speaking Tuesday in Yokohama, where Chelsea will face Kawasaki Frontale, J-League champion, Friday, Lampard told his young players that they needed to impress in the pre-season to have a chance to break into the first team and hope that Hudson-Odoi would follow Mason. Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have agreed on a new long-term contract.

Hudson-Odoi and Loftus-Cheek remained in London to recover from Achilles' injuries but Azpilicueta confirmed that the first player would be a great player this season and said the cream would continue to skyrocket in the ranks of the Chelsea Academy.

"For Callum, obviously [this season] It's a huge opportunity, "said the Spaniard. He had a lot of time before his unfortunate injury and now I am sure he will come back on his return and that he will be a very important player for Chelsea.

"I think all the boys starting in Chelsea feel that it's hard to get into the first team, but Mason, Ruben, Callum, we have to be proud of them." It's not an easy path, but they did succeed the first team: this desire and willingness to play are a good example for all the young boys from the academy.

"It's important to have a connection between the academy and the first team," added the captain during an interview with Sky Sports. "It's a strength and we can improve not only by having more players in the first team, but also the coaches, the systems, so when players enter the first team, it's easy for them."

Hudson-Odoi, who has another year on his current contract, was the subject of three unsuccessful attempts by Bayern Munich last season but Lampard now hopes to join the London club.

"With Callum, of course, I want him to sign and stay here," said the manager. "This is a player who comes from the academy, he is a player who can be a major player for Chelsea and England.As a club as a whole, we want him to stay, that's Is certain. "