Frank Lampard has told Callum Hudson-Odoi he will need to work hard to show he warrants a regular first-team place at Chelsea.
Speaking at a press conference, the Blues boss said he was “really excited” about the prospect of Ruben Loftus-Cheek being a key player for the team next season.
But Hudson-Odoi faces serious competition for places following the arrivals of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, not to mention the emergence of Christian Pulisic.
“They’re slightly similar cases but different in their own ways,” he said.
“Ruben literally played no games for a long, long time and just before the lockdown period we were trying to find him some games.
“So for Ruben this little period has been great for him to get fit. He is pretty fit, but the reality is next season will be the one, with a mini pre-season, that he’ll really be firing for and I’m really excited for those times.
“Now he’s coming off the bench, he may start some games, he gives us something really different.£
England midfielder Loftus-Cheek has been working his way back to full fitness following his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Hudson-Odoi had a similar injury and has struggled for fitness and form since his return.
“With Callum, he’s played more games than Ruben this year.,” Lampard said.
“I think he really needs to work hard daily in training and do the right things, then when he gets his opportunity really show input in games.
“We see it at the moment with what Christian Pulisic and Willian are doing in the team.
“When Callum comes into the team he has to show something similar.”
“They’re both young and I believe and trust in both of them.”