It’s been no secret that Frank Lampard has been willing to give Chelsea youth players a chance throughout his short reign so far.
The Blues boss has handed out eight first team debuts over the course of the 2019/20 campaign, including a few straight from the academy.
Billy Gilmour, Tino Anjorin and Armando Broja have all made their Premier League bows, while Ian Maatsen appeared in the Carabao Cup.
During the build-up to the Premier League’s return it has been no surprise, then, that Lampard has been using youth players to bolster the squad.
While Maatsen hasn’t been part of the first team over the last few weeks, Lampard has brought in goalkeeper Karlo Ziger, midfielder Lewis Bate and versatile Henry Lawrence.
And it is the latter in that trio who has really impressed over the course of the training at Cobham, fitting in at right-back during the ‘pre-season’.
The 18-year-old has played all over the park for the youth teams, either at full-back, in midfield or even out on the wings.
His versatility and technique have made him a real asset to the Development Squad under Andy Myers and the U18s with head coach Ed Brand.
And Lawrence has impressed during his time with the first team, filling in at right-back while Reece James has been recovering from an injury.
James has not returned to training and should be ready for Chelsea’s first game back when they take on Aston Villa on June 21.
However, Lawrence has certainly impressed, something he showed during the highlights of Chelsea’s behind-closed-doors friendly with Reading.
Playing on the right, Lawrence was involved in a lot of the play and almost bagged himself a goal after a well-timed run through.
When the Premier League returns, it will be the combination of James and Cesar Azpilicueta who will be taking the spot.
However, Lawrence has certainly put himself forward in an impressive way and it will be interesting to see how his future lies over the summer and next season.
