Frank Lampard handed a senior debut to highly rated academy youngster Tariq Lamptey today as his Chelsea side beat Arsenal 2-1 in their own back yard.
The 19-year old came on at a time when Chelsea were behind in the match and were really searching for a goal.
Fikayo Tomori had been forced to play at right back after an early formation switch by Lampard, but he looked uncomfortable in an unfamiliar role.
So with Emerson having already gone off and Reece James injured, on came the explosive Tariq Lamptey.
He came on and was immediately positive running into space and threading a lovely through ball to Tammy Abraham, who really should have done better with it.
But this was the start of a great performance from the youngster who has a very bright future ahead of him.
Chelsea supporters have been excitedly reacting to his performance on Twitter and there are some rave reviews…
We’ve been class since Lamptey came on he’s so clear of TAA man
— ✈️ (@Arrizabalager) December 29, 2019
How about my guy Tariq Lamptey holding it down on his debut away to Arsenal? 💙
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) December 29, 2019
🔵 Big shoutout to Tariq Lamptey.
Comes on for his Chelsea debut and doesn’t put a foot wrong. Up against Aubameyang, and he didn’t get a single chance once he came on. Outstanding. pic.twitter.com/Ll3pa7YWek
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) December 29, 2019
19-year old debutant Tariq Lamptey comes on and shows more balls by driving with the ball into space and making a through pass than any other player in blue today!
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) December 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/CFCPys/status/1211317068412403713?s=20
Lamptey did a great job for a young player like him. Getting into big game like this with your team losing and be confident like this isn’t for everyone. #ARSCHE pic.twitter.com/kCTgzT7931
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) December 29, 2019
Tariq Lamptey going over to celebrate in front of the away fans. A moment he will surely remember for the rest of his life. #CFC #ARSCHE
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) December 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/CFCMitchellv2/status/1211319003664261120?s=20
I have been impressed with Lamptey's positioning. Looks like he understands how to defend.
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) December 29, 2019
Quick shoutout to Tariq Lamptey – Man come on in a London derby losing 1-0 at the time & absolutely held his own.
— CFCBluesWave (@cfcBlueWave) December 29, 2019
Lampard enjoying the celebrations on the pitch in front of the away end – his arm around Lamptey. What a debut off the bench.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) December 29, 2019
Hadn’t heard of him until 3 minutes ago but Lamptey is our best full back
— Ben (@CriminalCosta) December 29, 2019
Special mention to the @ChelseaFC youngster Tariq Lamptey who looked so confident when he came on in the 2nd half. 💙 #CFC
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) December 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/ChelseaYannick/status/1211319616749887489?s=20
