Frank Lampard has hailed Callum Hudson-Odoi's "constant improvements" in mapping out a long career at Chelsea for the England forward.
Hudson-Odoi fired the Blues into an early lead at Rennes on Tuesday night with a composed finish after Mason Mount's perfectly weighted through-ball.
The 20-year-old faces an intense battle simply to take the field this term, given the number and quality of Chelsea's summer recruits.
READ MORE: Giroud sends Chelsea into knockout stages
Boss Lampard insisted, however, that Hudson-Odoi's so-far limited chances hold no bearing on his status now, or in the future, in west London.
"I am seeing constant improvements from him; I knew he'd had a couple of good performances for the England Under-21s last week," Lampard told Chelsea's website.
"I know he wants more minutes, but I have competition in that area.
"If he isn't getting minutes in a period it doesn't mean he is out of favour with me. He certainly isn't. He is still a developing player, to a degree.
"The bit of quality he shows with the first two touches before he got his shot away was top class; I know he can do that.
"There are loads of great things about Callum, and I know there are things he can improve in his game. He knows that.
"He is a big player for Chelsea, he has a big future with us. His all-round game was fantastic, and he got his goal too."
Hudson-Odoi's goal had Chelsea coasting in Tuesday's Champions League clash in France, only for Serhou Guirassy to head a late equaliser and leave the Blues lamenting a clutch of missed chances.
Super sub Olivier Giroud powered home a stoppage-time header to snatch the 2-1 win for the visitors, though, ensuring their qualification for the last 16.
PA
