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When Chelsea went into the transfer market to strengthen the squad, many expected that it will kill the opportunities given to the home grown talents at the club.

Chelsea went all out to sign a new goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back, attacking midfielder, winger and striker to join the first team.

It was expected that there will be no room for the academy products, but nevertheless, the likes of Reece James, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham have been having a remarkable season so far.

Lampard has admitted that he has now proven the naysayers wrong. According to the Chelsea boss, he’d keep on fielding a strong team regardless of age, and has backed the academy players to keep impressing.

“I read some articles and heard some people saying ‘that’ll be the end of it and you won’t see these young boys again’ but I always had a strong belief that the young players who have come through the Academy would compete again this year,” the Chelsea manager stated.

“Look at the performances of Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Mason Mount. Fikayo Tomori is staying patient at the minute, Billy Gilmour is back fit – I have absolutely no problem in throwing these young boys in.

“They’re a great part of the make-up of our squad so I’m really pleased their levels are rising. My job is just to pick the best team to win a game. Nobody is going to give me medals for debuts or Academy appearances. I have to try to pick the best so it’s up to the players themselves.”