Chelsea’s coach, Frank Lampard assures the fans that young defender Fikayo Tomori still is in the plans this year. The coach insists that he still has a future following his rejection to take an exit from Stamford Bridge in this summer transfer window.
The centre-back rejected the offer from Premier League club, West Ham on the deadline day. Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton showed interest to land him too in their club.
The 22 years old defender impressed when he got the chance to come off during Liverpool’s match where Andreas Christensen got a red card after fouling Sadio Mane. Despite his performances, he is neglected by the Chelsea manager and hasn’t got enough playing time.
Antonio Rudiger seems certain to take an exit from Stamford Bridge and even he got minutes more than Tomori who still looks to develop with the Blues. Rudiger made his way into the starting XI but Tomori hasn’t and this has made him question the coach.
However, Lampard insists that the young defender has a lot more to offer to Chelsea and claims that he still relies on his abilities even though he hasn’t given him enough minutes.
“I think there are arguments on both sides. Fikayo is our contracted player. We know that West Ham was interested. Fikayo took the decision not to go and that’s well within his rights. That had no bearing on my thoughts at all. He’s still a developing player,” said Lampard as per Football.London reports.
“When I say developing, he’s had a great two years. He got himself in the England team, was one of the best defenders in the Championship and then played 20-plus games for Chelsea. It’s normal for a young player sometimes, in a squad as competitive as ours, where there are periods where you maybe aren’t playing every week.
“I’ve got no problem with Fikayo,. I rely on him. That’s clear from when I took him to Derby and how I handled him last year. He’s been a fantastic player for me. He trains very well and when he gets his opportunity like he had when he came on against Liverpool and in the Carabao Cup, it’s important he takes them.”
It is to be seen whether Tomori gets his minutes under Lampard in the upcoming matches or not. The rotation will be key for Chelsea as they have a super congested fixture and all the key players must have ample rest to remain in their ideal conditions for crucial matches of the season.
