How Chelsea could line up next season under Frank Lampard

Wide Forward: Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic could help to fill the hole vacated by Eden Hazard

Chelsea’s veteran wide forwards Willian and Pedro came in for some major criticism last season; despite delivering a total of 11 goals and 9 assists between them, the duo didn’t really perform up to the standards they’d set themselves previously and the likelihood is that at 30 and 31 years old respectively, they’re probably beginning to slow down somewhat. It’s probably time to stop relying on either man as a starter – but thankfully Chelsea have a pair of ready-made replacements.

The first of the two is the Blues’ newest signing – and probably their last one for a couple of transfer windows at least – American forward Christian Pulisic. Signed from Borussia Dortmund for a large fee of around £58m, it has already been reported that Pulisic is willing to cut his summer holiday short in order to join up with his new side and impress his new boss.

Pulisic hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations he set for himself when he first broke through at Dortmund with some tremendous performances, but his return of 4 assists and 4 goals in just 9 Bundesliga starts last season wasn’t bad at all, and at just 20 years old his best years are likely still ahead of him. Chelsea will definitely miss Eden Hazard next season, but a flying start for Pulisic could help to alleviate that loss somewhat.

Wide Forward: Callum Hudson-Odoi

Callum Hudson-Odoi might be Chelsea's most exciting young talent

The second ready-made replacement for Pedro and/or Willian, England international Callum Hudson-Odoi enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2018/19. Initially used sparingly – the Europa League and domestic cup competitions seemed to be the only games in which Maurizio Sarri would trust him – the fans began to clamour to see him in Premier League action and eventually the Italian obliged, with Hudson-Odoi repaying him with some excellent performances towards the end of the season.

A ruptured Achilles has since curtailed his development; like his teammate Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi isn’t expected back until September at the earliest, but once he does return it’s a no-brainer for Lampard to deploy him as a starter in the Premier League. Able to play on the left or right-hand side of the attack, the exciting 18-year old more than any other player could be seen as the long-term successor to Hazard.

Chelsea may need to ensure he signs a new deal with them; right now his current contract at Stamford Bridge ends in the summer of 2020, but despite interest from Bayern Munich, the appointment of a youth-focused manager like Lampard should mean he’s willing to stay at the club. If they can ink him to a new deal, he’ll almost definitely become a key man for his new boss.

Centre-Forward: Tammy Abraham

Tammy Abraham has earned his chance at becoming Chelsea's top striker

Chelsea have struggled when it comes to a central striker recently; despite a hot start, Alvaro Morata turned out to be a massive flop and has now been sent on a two-season loan to Atletico Madrid, and while Olivier Giroud has always been a steady source of goals, at 32 years of age, the French international shouldn’t be relied upon as Chelsea’s starting striker next season. Instead, Lampard should turn to the crown jewel in the Blues’ ‘loan army’, England striker Tammy Abraham.

Abraham’s massive potential was on show in the 2016/17 season as a 19-year old, as he plundered 23 goals on loan at Championship club Bristol City. His time on loan in the Premier League at Swansea during 2017/18 wasn’t as productive, but then Swansea were a very poor side that season – particularly when it came to creating chances – and Abraham’s 2018/19 at Aston Villa was fantastic, as he scored 25 goals in 37 appearances and helped to shoot the side up into the Premier League.

Surely it’s now time for Chelsea to give Abraham a chance as the main striker. He’s proven he can score goals consistently and while the Premier League is undoubtedly a step up, he’s got the kind of predatory instincts inside the box that means he’ll likely score goals at whatever level he plays. If Lampard puts his faith in the youngster, he could well be repaid in the form of plenty of goals – and Abraham could cement himself as one of the best young strikers in the world in the process.