Chelsea defender Reece James scored his side’s equaliser last night against Ajax.
James came on for Chelsea at half-time last night, as Lampard’s side picked up a 4-4 draw with Ajax.
Chelsea had fallen 4-1 down in the contest, but James showed brilliant attacking intent to help his side get back into the match.
It was the teenager who actually scored Chelsea’s equaliser with a fine finish.
And Lampard has suggested that James can become a brilliant player for Chelsea in the future, although he will need to stay patient as he faces fierce competition for a first-team place.
“Reece is a fantastic young player. He gives what you saw and he can give even more, which is normal,” Lampard enthused.
“I felt we needed to change to get more on the right hand side, get Azpi on the left and Reece can deliver crosses. Great quality. Powerful and can join in, he knows we have Azpi there who is our captain and plays right back, but it shows there are things we can do to change if Reece if does that then he is a great player. He is going to be a top player for the club.
“He has got great quality. Modern full-backs expected now to join in, be a threat going forward and some in the Premier League are doing it in an outstanding way. Hopefully Reece can do it for us.”
Azpilicueta started this season slowly for Chelsea, but he has really grown into the role more recently, so James could face a fight if he wants to take the right-back spot on a regular basis.
However, Lampard now has a real selection dilemma in the position, and that will please the Chelsea boss.
Whether James has done enough to be given his first Premier League start for Chelsea at the weekend remains to be seen.
The Blues are next in action against Crystal Palace on Saturday, when they will be hoping to keep up their impressive run of form.
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