Frank Lampard says Chelsea’s youngsters should look to emulate the likes of Jorginho and Willian.
Much attention has been on the Blues’ academy products this season and the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham were involved again as Lampard’s side beat Brighton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
But it was the experienced duo of Jorginho and Willian who scored the goals that gave Lampard his first home league win as Chelsea manager.
Jorginho opened the scoring with a penalty after Mount was fouled in the area, and Willian’s deflected shot sealed the victory.
Lampard said: “The kids – everyone’s drawn to that conversation – but they’re playing because they deserve to. So I don’t really consider age.
“But they will also always need that experienced player around them.
“You can talk about Jorginho with the coolness to score the penalty and Willian who not only created chances for himself and got his goal but his work ethic was fantastic.
“Those are the standards. Some of the experienced players can set those standards and the youngsters must follow.”
Jorginho, regarded as former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri’s flagship signing, was much maligned last season but has been a key player under Lampard so far this term.
“He’s a leader with his personality. Whatever happened last year, I wasn’t here and for whatever reason people make judgements,” Lampard said.
“All I can judge is what I see in front of me. He’s been one of the leaders in the dressing room and on the pitch.
“I’m pleased with him and the young players need to look up to that kind of attitude daily.”
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This post was last modified on 28/09/2019