TOM ’N MERRY
Fikayo continues to thrive under Lampard guidance
FRANK LAMPARD says Fikayo Tomori had already justified the faith put in him even before his England call-up.
The centre-back joined Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Ross Barkley as the four Chelsea Lions in Gareth Southgate’s squad this week.
Canadian-born Tomori was Player of the Year for Lampard’s Derby last season and impressed so much in pre-season that the Blues were ready to sell David Luiz.
Since making his Premier League debut against Sheffield United in August, the 21-year-old has become a Chelsea regular and earned his England call-up.
“I put trust in him early in the season. I think that was obvious with the way the pre-season went with the centre-backs,” said Lampard.
“He has really delivered and long may that continue. I think there is a lot more to come.
“Last year at Derby he was fantastic. “But you don’t know until you put players in. Against Sheffield United at home was a game where I thought he deserved his opportunity for his training.
Those are the rules here. You have to train at a level. Then he gave me a big problem because he played so well and he has continued to do that.
“Yes, he is a project in a way but a nice one because everything you want him to do, he stands up and delivers.”
Tomori and Abraham are now set to be rewarded with new Chelsea contracts.
Centre-forward Abraham, who made two England appearances in 2017, is back in the full squad after scoring eight goals this season.
“This is a natural progression for him,” said Lampard.
“It is another step but I am sure that he has the attitude to take that challenge of being a goalscorer for England. I was aware the call-up was coming. I spoke to them before.
“They have big smiles on their faces today, the three of them. Ross has been there a while.
“They are smiley and happy, but I might have to remind them that come Sunday against Southampton they might have to perform for us.
“It is great news for them but as I keep saying, that it is just the start. The minute any standards drop or complacency kicks in then they will all suffer.”
CHELSEA are set to open talks with Willian over a new contract.
The 31-year-old is in the last year of his deal at Stamford Bridge but Lampard wants the Brazil international to extend his six-year stay.