Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes the arrival of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech will lead to the improvement in the performance levels of the young players. The west London side managed to cement a top four spot in the final matchday of the previous campaign and they now have the opportunity to strengthen their squad for a potential title challenge next term.
They have already purchased Werner and Ziyech from RB Leipzig and Ajax respectively and Lampard feels the arrival of the duo should see an improvement in the work-rate shown by the younger players in the team, he told: “With Timo and Hakim coming to the club, after being under a transfer ban, those two signings are so important. I remember as a player when the club would bring in players of a really high level.
“You would feel the excitement in training, you would see the level rise. The players already here would improve with the injection of quality. The lockdown gave us pause for thought in how we wanted to move forward. When you’re talking about being successful in the longer term you need some experienced voices.”
Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham impressed in the attack for the west London giants last term, but they may have to settle for bench roles next season. Still, it is not granted that any player would be guaranteed a starting spot and Lampard has shown in the past that he would be prepared to drop anyone irrespective of the reputation, suppose they don’t perform to the required level.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was one example during the previous campaign as he was dropped from the starting XI on two separate occasions. The Spanish goalkeeper, who was signed for a club-record fee, played second fiddle to veteran Willy Caballero during the final games of the season including the FA Cup final. It is reported that the Blues could loan him out and purchase a new shot-stopper.
