Lampard praises Chelsea duo after defeat at City

Frank Lampard felt the performances of Lewis Hall and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were two major positives to take from Chelsea’s loss at Manchester City.

Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by the champions – their seventh defeat in nine games since Lampard returned as interim boss.

Hall, 18, had an excellent game on the left up against a much more seasoned player in Riyad Mahrez, while Loftus-Cheek did well in midfield.

Lampard said: “I thought Lewis did really well and against Mahrez – one of the best wingers in the league one-v-one – he joined in and got chances at the top end of the pitch.

“He’s a good player, Lewis. I thought he did well – amongst some other individuals in the game.

“I liked the midfield. I thought Ruben was really good – this level of game, to come in and show those lovely attributes he’s got when he receives and moves with the ball.”

Hall has impressed in his first-team outings this season and is currently in the side because both Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella are unavailable.

Lampard hopes the youngster gets more opportunities next season and grows in stature.

“He’s a quiet lad. The first thing I’ve seen in the last month is that he definitely needs to come out of himself that little bit more,” said Lampard.

“I’m not asking him to change his personality, but in footballing terms to affect people around him.

“In terms of his quality on the ball, it’s really clear. He’s obviously got to add to that as he goes along.

“It’ll be good to see him get regular games at this level to be tested more. But he’s shown he can do it there.”