Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has said that Fikayo Tomori could partner Antonio Rudiger at the heart of the defence once the German returns from a groin problem. The Blues graduate started the season as the backup option behind Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma, but he has jumped ahead of them in the selection order after making the most of the opportunities offered.
The youngster has been ever-present in the league since the 2-2 draw against Sheffield United before the international break and speaking to reporters, Lampard has said that Tomori is now regarded as one of the starters for the central defensive role, he told: “As far as Rudiger I don’t see it as a one for one. I have four very good centre backs, contesting for two or three positions and what Tomori has done is give himself a really, really good start in the race from the way he has played and now he is competing officially for one of those starting slots.”
The Blues found themselves in a heap during the summer after they decided against applying a freeze on the transfer ban. Nonetheless, the decision has proved worthful with manager Lampard decided to introduce some of the impressive young players from the academy. Aside from Tomori, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James have already made the mark this term and the future of the club looks bright, provided the youngsters can develop in the right manner.
Chelsea are currently seventh in the Premier League after the opening seven games and they are separated from the top four by the single point. They are scheduled to face Lille in the Champions League in midweek and Lampard will be hoping for a positive result after the club’s home defeat to Valencia during the opening game of the competition. Los Che picked up a 1-0 triumph after Ross Barkley squandered a late penalty.