5 players who could shine under Frank Lampard at Chelsea

A new but familiar era is set to begin at Stamford Bridge, following the news of Frank Lampard's appointment as new Blues boss on Thursday morning.

The 41 year-old replaces the Europa League winning Maurizio Sarri and he has a big job on his hands if he's to build on the success that his predecessor enjoyed.

Lampard inherits a talented Chelsea squad but also one that he's unable to add to until next summer, with the Blues in the thick of a two window transfer ban. This means that whilst their rivals all strengthen during the window, Lampard will have to sit back and plan his moves for a years time.

It's a huge blow to the Blues who would've been desperate to add some new faces ahead of their upcoming Champions League campaign, but on the flip side it affords some opportunities to some of the clubs younger players, along with some who've struggled for game time.

Lampard proved at Derby that he's willing to throw youngsters into the first team and with the extensive pool of exciting players that Chelsea possess, it could well end up being a match made in heaven for a number of reasons.

We've had a look at the options available to Lampard and selected five players who think could flourish under his guidance.

Chelsea Appearances: 53

Chelsea Goals: 19

It may be slightly surprising to see a £32m striker feature on this list but ever since making his big money move from Marseille to Chelsea, Batshuayi hasn't been afforded too many opportunities. He's made just 32 Premier League appearances in the two full seasons he's spent at the club were he spent the bulk of the time second fiddle to then main man, Diego Costa.

But the lack of bodies in attack which leaves just Tammy Abraham & Olivier Giroud as the clubs only recognised strikers may lead to more minutes for him. He's shown flashes of what he's capable of since joining the club with decent returns in cup competitions, along with impressing in loan spells with Borussia Dortmund (7 goals in 10) and Crystal Palace (5 goals in 11).

Chelsea fans will be keen to see the Belgian finally given an opportunity to show why the club initially made that huge outlay. The Blues have some superb creative players and he has proven during his career that he's capable of putting the ball in the back of the net, he just needs that opportunity in the first team and we're sure he'll do the business.

Chelsea Appearances: 2

Chelsea Goals: 0

About as prolific as they come in the Championship with 48 goals in 78 matches in two loan spells, Tammy Abraham will be desperate to make the step up from the second tier to the top flight. Last years exploits with Aston Villa saw him hit 25 goals in just 37 appearances but the difference in class between the two divisions is huge, especially when representing a club of the size of Chelsea.

But just like with Batshuayi, with only him and Olivier Giroud who netted two Premier League goals last year, there could be first team opportunities afforded to him next season by Frank Lampard. Attack looks like the weakest area of this Chelsea team in terms of bodies so at the moment it looks unlikely that he'll be shipped out on loan for a fourth successive season.

He does have Premier League experience under his belt after spending a difficult year on loan with Swansea City (17/18) which ultimately resulted in relegation. He made the majority of his 31 appearances off the bench which resulted in just 5 goals, although the service he'd receive at the Bridge would be somewhat better. He's an interesting player, far too good for the second tier but can he make the step up? Only time will tell.

Chelsea Appearances: 0

Chelsea Goals: 0

Someone Frank Lampard knows extremely well and someone who looks like he has a big future ahead of him, Mason Mount could be in store for a breakthrough season at the Bridge. The 20 year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise over the last couple of years after impressing in loan spells with Vitesse and of course Derby County, with his performances firmly establishing him as an England U21 international.

The lengthy injury to compatriot Ruben Loftus-Cheek could lead to first team opportunities for him but midfield is a competitive area in the Blues squad. But crucially he has a fantastic working relationship with Lampard and he knows exactly what he's capable following the time they spent together at Pride Park last term.

Premier League starts may be tough to come by but expect appearances the match day squad and domestic cups. It's a solid place to start and if he can produce like we know he's capable of, there's no reason why he can't force his way into Lampard's PL plans. A superb young player who has bags of potential, lets just hope he's one who can go all the way and not be the next Josh McEachran.

Chelsea Appearances: 0

Chelsea Goals: 0

Another player yet to make a first team appearance for Chelsea and another with enormous potential. Reece James was virtually unknown when he joined Championship outfit Wigan Athletic on loan last summer but 44 appearances and a spot in the PFA Team of the Year later, his stock is sky high. That was his breakthrough campaign in senior football and he looks more than capable of making the jump from the second tier to the Premier League.

James is naturally a right back but he played throughout the backline during his time with the Latics. Returning to Chelsea he'll be competing with Davide Zappacosta and mr consistent Cesar Azpilicueta for a spot. He'll find it very difficult to edge in ahead of the Spaniard but working and training alongside one of the divisions best defenders is only going to aid his progression.

James has all the attributes to go on and make this position his own in years to come and Lampard would've monitored him closely when working in the Championship last term. A Premier League loan would be a good move for him but we'd like to see him given some minutes with the Blues, which would provide a real test of where he's at right now.

Chelsea Appearances: 43

Chelsea Goals: 3

Right hear us out on this one. Tiemoue Bakayoko was arguably one of (if not the) flops to come from the 2017 summer transfer window following his £40m move from Monaco, before being shipped out on loan to AC Milan. Over in Serie A he enjoyed a mixed time but there was some positives to come from it, which could lead to Frank Lampard giving him a second chance in London.

When the Frenchmen initially arrived from Monaco he was seen as one of European footballs most dominant ball winning midfielders and when you look at him it's strange to see how he dropped off. He looks tailor made for the Premier League physically with him commanding in stature, so he could represent decent back-up to N'Golo Kante in that holding midfield role.

His return has split opinion amongst Chelsea fans with many of them on the fence surrounding his future at the club. But the money they spent on him means he warrants a second chance and it'll be interesting to see if he can improve, with him set to be working under one of the finest midfielders to grace the Premier League in Lampard.