Chelsea vs Valencia: Frank Lampard full of praise for in-form Tammy Abraham

The 21-year-old made it seven goals in five games with a hat-trick at Wolves

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has spoken very positively about Tammy Abraham, after the striker’s hat-trick against Wolves on Saturday.

The 21-year-old made it seven goals in five games with his performance at Molineux as he continues to impress at the sharp end of Lampard's youth revolution with the Blues.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s opening Champions League game against Valencia, Lampard said the young striker had simply repaid his faith in him.

“I never had clear expectations of him, only the fact that I believed in him and trusted him,” he said.

The Chelsea legend also asserted that Abraham would have been in the Chelsea first team irrespective of the transfer ban that was imposed on the club by Fifa.

“I know a lot has been made of the ban, but I felt the time was right for Tammy to have his opportunity at the club anyway, because of the qualities that he has got.”

“I think there’s even more to come. He’s in a good place, a place that requires him to sustain and improve even more.”

After he was left out of England’s recent qualifiers, speculation has grown that Abraham may in fact play for Nigeria, the country of his father. Abraham has two England caps from 2017, but both were during friendly matches leaving him able to switch national allegiances.

Lampard reiterated his praise for the striker, but refused to be drawn too much into the debate when questioned about it.

“Obviously he’s put himself in the bracket for England by being top goalscorer at this point," he added.

“It’s one for Gareth [Southgate]. I’d hate to step on his toes but it’s clear that with what’s Tammy’s doing that he’s going to be wanted.