Frank Lampard has spoken out on Eden Hazard’s departure during his first press conference in charge of Chelsea.
Lampard played with Hazard and had the opportunity to see the Belgian’s supreme talent first hand, both on the pitch and on the training fields at Cobham.
There can be no doubting that he wishes he could have had Hazard at his disposal as manager, but he does not appear to be disheartened by his departure.
Though Lampard suggested attempting to replace Hazard like-for-like would not be possible, he’s clearly confident that some of our younger players can grow into the mould.
Lampard on replacing Hazard: "We lost a great player of course but you look at what you do have. We have good players, at a good age, who have the talent. Not to fill Hazard’s boots, but who can be huge players for this club." #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 4, 2019
He’s absolutely right in thinking that, too.
We do not have a player of Hazard’s quality in our ranks, but the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic have world-class potential.
Considering the opportunities they will get under Lampard, few would bet against them fulfilling said potential, and Hazard will fast be a distant memory.
