Chelsea have been heavily influenced by youth players this season, but the impact of the older experienced players must not go unnoticed.
The youth products of Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount have received many plaudits this season for their applaudable debut campaigns.
The impact of their experienced peers should not be taken lightly as the quest for Champions League qualification is due to go to the wire.
Christian Pulisic has received most of the attention since the Premier League restart and rightly so. His efforts since the resumption has hugely impacted Chelsea, even to the point where fans are comparing ‘Captain America’ to Eden Hazard.
Unsung Heroes
The likes of Willian, Cesar Azpilicueta and Olivier Giroud have really been the unsung heroes since the restart of football. Willian has dispatched three penalties in the four Premier League games. The Brazilian winger has been rumoured to leave Chelsea in the summer, but his current impact is showing how important the experienced pros are.
‘Azpi’ has been in fine form for Chelsea of late. The skipper assisted against Aston Villa, Leicester and switched to left-back against Watford. The versatile defender has shown his leadership skills since the restart, his impact on the pitch has aided Chelsea to keep fourth place.
Giroud, along with Pulisic, has been one of the most important players for Chelsea since the restart. At one stage it looked like he was not in the plans of Frank Lampard, but this stance has certainly changed. Goals against Aston Villa and Watford has meant ‘Oli’ has led the line for Chelsea and lead it well. His hold up play is tremendous and his capability of bringing other players into the game is phenomenal.
Ageing like Fine Wine
Another player that has passed 30, Lampard has trusted the French World Cup winner. His valuable experience will be a huge helping hand for the likes of his number 9 rival, Abraham. Having someone like Giroud to learn from will be helpful for ‘Tammy,’ who will be looking to hit 20 goals before the season is out.
The gaffer has praised the older players, preaching their work is not going unnoticed:
“It is always going to be important for the experienced players to play a big part. I felt that at the beginning of the season. Everyone says I played the youngsters because I had to play them, it was not true.
"The younger players played when they had done well enough to keep themselves in the team and really contribute.”
Lampard has been accused of ‘having’ to play the youngsters all season due to the transfer plan. Lampard insists this is not true.
“As the season goes on, if it goes the other way, I will pick the team as I see as best. That is when you rely on experienced players. They need to help each other.
"The experienced players need to help the young players at difficult moments, and the young players need to realise there are level to kick on and improve, whether that is in match play or how they work during the week."