Frank Lampard said Callum Hudson-Odoi reacted to criticism in the right way in Chelsea’s 6-0 Carabao Cup mauling of Barnsley on Wednesday night.
Lampard has made it clear on numerous occasions that the England winger needs to do more in training and ensure his work-rate and defensive efforts match his talent.
And the head coach was impressed with Hudson-Odoi's all-round performance against the Championship side at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard said: “We talk about work ethic, which he showed really well in terms of getting the ball back for us, recovery runs, all the things which must be absolutely standard in his game."
A combination of injury and failing to impress Lampard meant the teenager's start against the Tykes was just his second for the Blues since a 2-2 Premiers League draw against Leicester on 1 February.
His only other start came in the second leg of the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich in August.
"He did well," Lampard added. "It's not easy with not so many minutes, he is the same as some others in the same boat at the moment. At parts he looked fresh and sharp.
"He showed loads of great moments. I was really pleased with Callum. He had a good night."
Lampard played down the significance of Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek being left out of the squad.
However, the Blues boss suggested that there are likely to be departures from the Bridge before the transfer window closes.
Centre-back Rudiger has been left out for recent games and the arrival of Thiago Silva, who made his debut, has nudged the German further down the pecking order.
And Loftus-Cheek has not featured since failing to impress in recent outing against Brighton.
Lampard said: “They're not in the squad - that’s just a choice at the moment. With the centre-halves, I can’t have them all in the squad at the moment.
“I keep getting questions about the size of the squad. Yes, there might be movement (out). We know that.
“But nothing is concrete, so don’t read too much into those selections at the minute.
“It (any departures) will have to be things that are right for the club, individuals and me.”
Kai Havertz stole the show, scoring a hat-trick as Chelsea cruised into the fourth round.
There were also goals for Tammy Abraham, Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud.
And there was a debut too for Ben Chilwell, who came on as a substitute and crossed for Giroud to head home.
“I’m delighted with Kai. It was everything I wanted the night to be,” Lampard declared.