Lampard hopes to see Chelsea youngsters flourish

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Frank Lampard wants Carney Chukwuemeka to be patient and Lewis Hall to “come out of himself” as the two youngsters look to establish themselves at Chelsea.

The highly-rated Chukwuemeka, 19, has started just one game since being captured from Aston Villa last year.

He featured as a late substitute during the defeat at Manchester City on Sunday.


Lampard, who is coming to the end of his spell as the Blues’ interim boss, said: “When you’re a young player you have to wait your time.

“I’m not the first manager where he hasn’t got loads of minutes. It’s been a season like that for him.

“I want to get him more minutes, but I have to think about my job. I thought he did well when he came on.

“He will get more minutes I hope in these next two games coming up.”

Meanwhile, Hall’s performance at City was a definite positive for Chelsea.

The 18-year-old had an excellent game on the left up against a much more seasoned player in Riyad Mahrez.

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.”