Former Chelsea coach Gianfranco Zola has admitted he is surprised by development of Fikayo Tomori over the course of the last 12 months.
"Tomori is one of the players. Last year we had him in the pre-season and we couldn't see all the qualities that he is showing now," Zola conceded.
"That is a surprise and a big lesson for us and me personally as well. They are going beyond my expectations."
Meanwhile, his colleagues Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount scored their first England goals during the current international break, having both won call-ups after impressing domestically for Lampard's Blues. Abraham sits second in the Premier League scoring charts, with 10 goals, while Mount has started every league game since the start of the campaign.
Zola added: "Mason Mount is not surprising me because I saw the videos of him playing in Holland and Derby. He needed to adapt but there was always a big potential.
"I'm not surprised about Tammy [Abraham]. When we had him he was a raw talent but I loved the attitude and positivity. They have all got a great attitude."
The Blues sit third - eight points behind leaders Liverpool - after an impressive start to life under Lampard, winning their last six on the spin in the league.
Lampard has also given Chelsea a fighting chance of progressing from a tricky Champions League group, with notable wins away at Ajax and Lille.
Eden Hazard said: "He has shown already in four months that he came be one of the best managers in the world."
Wancou
0
Theres still afew jem in the chelsea youth team to be unearth and polish, open your eyes bigger frank n looks harder.
BlueLionn
0
Bcos sarri n his geng busy smoking weedsnevery training, how could they will see who is the real tomori.
GodfreyMutei
3
Because you watched Sarri smoke 80 cigars a day
EricDamzzy
3
because they all smoke weed with sarri
Tidings
3
We have to take the opportunity given to us. Guess he knows that and made use of it well. He is still young and will develop into a world class soon.
Benjiy_1
1
Potential is equivalent to Chance given. If circumstances hadn't favoured him, he would still have been seen as incapable..Life...
cibcmotu
0
when u underate a how can u see him
Nesaiknruy_Legend
4
Cos Chelsea didn't see youth in general. If Chelsea system was like other teams systems then we would have a lot of academy players in the starting line up in the past. Imagine if they gave Musonda chances the way United did Rashford, cant imagine how good Musonda might have been alongside Hazard on the other wing. 1 of the many things we will never get to see... Even Traore too could have had a chance.
Andy_Mac
4
Get yourself a pair of eyeglasses and start scouting players properly.
Duoceistu
4
U will not see it bcos yr boss Sarri knows nothing about football. Juventus made a great mistake by appointing him.He will definitely be a failure in Juventus
raadilrs
5
Good talk Zola once at Brigde always Blues, we are cooking something delicious from the Brigde if done EPL and Europe will never be the same. just a matter of two years
akadnc
3
look at sarri ball at juventus it's bored to hell...... do you see any development on De ligt he is miserable
Pazabckuz
0
lol
EricKinggg
3
God bless your location sir We still love you Once a blues is always a blues