What Frank Lampard said about key members of the Chelsea workforce, including N Golo Kante

Frank Lampard is about to make a sensational comeback at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea has identified the club's all-time scorer as his # 1 goal to succeed Maurizio Sarri, who is tied to Juventus.

The 40-year-old led Derby to the edge of the Premier League promotion in his first season in the dugout, showing his commitment to attacking football and trusting a group of inexperienced youngsters, including Chelsea Loanees Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori . .

While Max Allegri was taking a one-year sabbatical and Ajax's Erik ten Hag was out of their range, Chelsea had no choice but to bet on Lampard and his lack of experience, but they are more inclined to accept given the need for long-term planning because of the prohibition of transfer of two windows imposed on the club by FIFA.

If Lampard will have to make significant changes to a team that, despite a hectic campaign, finished third last season and won the Europa League remains to be seen, but his previous comments on high-level members of the team and a selection of the most brilliant players from Chelsea Academy graduates can give clues about the changes that it will bring …

N'Golo Kante

Perhaps Sarri's greatest criticism during his stay in West London was centered on his decision to redeploy the winner of the World Cup in France as a midfielder. off-road to be able to welcome his title making Jorginho sign to four.

Kante struggled at first, especially in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham at Wembley last November, but grew in the role of the season, resulting in a superb performance against Arsenal in Baku, where he showed no effect of a knee injury. prevented him from training fully before the match.

Lampard previously stated that he believed that the former Leicester City star was the best midfielder in the world, but, like Sarri, he noted that his game was not just a tackle or a an interception.

The Brazilian boomerang career of Chelsea was resurrected by Sarri last season after being blocked by Antonio Conte. Luiz made 36 appearances in the Premier League under the future director of Juventus, against only 10 before.

Luiz, who signed a contract extension last month, publicly defended Sarri's skills and hoped the 60-year-old would last longer than a lone season at the helm.

Lampard's relations with Luiz during their stay together in West London were not always optimistic – the latter blamed him for having played a role in André's fall. Villas-Boas, while both men were involved in a field dispute during the Europa League defeat against Ruben Kazan – but the Englishman has always appreciated the abilities of his former teammates.

"It's a good signature. I played with David, "said Lampard after Luiz joined Chelsea at PSG in 2016.

"He's a big advocate, a great energy, and at today's prices, it's probably not a bad signature in general."

After Gary Cahill's departure, the 32-year-old's leadership and experience should be vital to a new Premier League coach.

Ross Barkley

A hamstring injury prevented Barkley from having an immediate impact on Stamford Bridge, although Conte's lack of enthusiasm over the 25-year-old's arrival suggests he knew the former Everton midfielder was not up to par.

Sarri, however, certainly saw the potential of the English international who played 55 appearances in all competitions, even though he rarely completed the 90 minutes. Despite some significant contributions, constancy and fitness continues to be the two biggest question marks hovering over a player who made his high flying debut eight years ago, problems that Lampard identified shortly thereafter. the end of his move to West London.

"We have been talking about him for a while and he has not yet exploited his potential," he said. "But there are players in this market who move for 30 or 40 million pounds and have less capacity.

'Now it's up to Ross to decide. At Everton, he was allowed to do it in fits and starts. Five games here and six games there. "He will not get away with Chelsea, he has to be disciplined, work hard and show that he can add things to his game." I think he can do it but it's up to him. now. "

Mason Mount and Chelsea youth

Lampard, stuck in the transfer market, Lampard will have no choice but to rely on the band of young people who have been loaned in recent years, or ignored by the likes of Sarri and Conte. Remains to know if he is brave enough to throw them all in the heat of the moment. Clearly, however, he is aware of the talent that he will have at his disposal …

Lampard on masonry"He has the potential to be a top player, and I really think so. He made his entry into the England squad, which in my opinion was a great feat after playing for us. I think he can go as far as he wants. I saw a progression in him now. "I would be delighted for him [to play for Chelsea]. I know what a big boy he is too. He works so hard and he has a good mentality. If anyone deserves it, it will be Mason and I would be absolutely delighted that he is part of this team. "

Lampard on Callum Hudson-Odoi: "First of all, I would like him to stay in Chelsea. He must do everything to be part of this team. Is he working hard and developing every day at the training and trying to make progress? I do not know him very well, but I'm sure it's the norm in Chelsea. Every minute he enters the field, he must do everything he can. I understand that Chelsea fans want to see him more and that he has to do everything in his power to give himself a chance to win a few minutes. "

Lampard on Fikayo Tomori: "His progression this year has been incredible. Since his arrival, he was still a good young player, but you can see how he played a crucial role in our team. He grew up inside and I enjoyed working with him day by day. He wants to learn and improve his game, but he uses all the attributes that he possesses. He still has many steps forward but he was amazing Saturday against Rotherham. He played the first minute at the last minute and when he plays like that, it's scary to think how good he can be. He can go to the top if he plays as he did on Saturday and improve. "

Lampard on Ruben Loftus-Cheek"I think Ruben has everything and to be fair, he has had some injury problems this season. He is another who needs to make the most of every minute that he gets. He is at a stage where he should play and make regular efforts to enter this team. He and Callum (Hudson-Odoi) will look at Jadon Sancho, who has come out of his comfort zone, whom I also respect and who I am doing well. But in Chelsea, you have a small group of players who can try to get the minutes of the first team. They are the next generation. Chelsea has invested a lot in the academy and I am sure they will want to see the fruits. "