FRANK LAMPARD says his wonderkids are making Chelsea’s pensioners feel young again.
Rookies Mason Mount and ‘little boy’ Billy Gilmour played a starring role to give their Champions League bid a massive boost.
Frank Lampard reckons Chelsea’s wonderkids are helping their older team mates feel young againCredit: AP:Associated Press
But 30-somethings Pedro, Willian and Olivier Giroud also reaped the rewards of boss Lamps’ youth policy by scoring.
Lampard said: “The younger players have injected energy to the club and the fans. Look at the reaction to Gilmour.
“But also look at the experienced players — Pedro running from virtually inside his own half for the second goal, or Willian all over the pitch today. As a group, everyone showed that energy.
“Billy is 18 and putting him in is not a problem because I see how he trains every day.
“He’s receiving the ball in difficult areas on the pitch. If you don’t move it quickly, you don’t get the rhythm in our play.
Billy Gilmour has been in fine form for Chelsea. The highly-rated teenager starred in their 4-0 won against EvertonCredit: EPA
“You need confidence to take the ball and play as he does.
“I was going to say a rude word . . . yes, let’s go with balls. Jorginho has it, Billy has it, too.
“Billy showed those balls in the first half, then played higher up the pitch second half.
“That’s a great thing for me when I’m thinking about the midfield.”
Credit: EPA
Giroud, 33, Chelsea’s oldest outfield player, added the final touch to his team’s biggest home Premier League win since Lamps took over as head coach last summer
The Frenchman, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said: “We have been killer in the box and it’s another game for the little boy.
“Billy’s done very well for 18 years old. He’s got great maturity and listens to advice. He’s got a nice future in front of him.”
Lampard also gave league debuts to 18-year-old subs Faustino Anjorin and Armando Broja.
But he insists Chelsea are still outsiders for the top four and Champions League football next term.
Everton’s European aspirations were given a rude awakening as they were beaten for the first time in eight games.
And ex-Chelsea boss Ancelotti said: “Everything went wrong.
“It’s not difficult to judge this game. We were not good enough defensively.
“We were too open, not compact, lost a lot of duels, and with the ball we made a lot of mistakes.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
