Lampard reveals it's up to the young players to rise to Chelsea's level

Lampard is pleased with the progress of youngsters, who must continue to get better.

The gaffer points to the performances of Tammy, Reece, and Mount as examples to follow.

There are no medals for playing youngsters, opined Lampard.

"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," Lampard told Chelsea's official website.

"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."

Chelsea's detractors had over the summer suggested that Lampard would throw aside the brilliant youngsters who had helped Chelsea qualify for the Champions League last season.

However, Lampard has clearly proven that if you're good enough, you're old enough. Chelsea has one of the best academies in the world - so it is great to see so many of our youngsters given their due chance.