Former Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen believes Frank Lampard has the perfect opportunity to unearth the next John Terry in the coming years.
Whilst the Blues have been hit hard by a transfer window ban which has limited their chances of success in the Premier League, Gudjohnsen insists that Lampard can see the positive side of the current situation.
Lampard has already used the tough circumstances he inherited at Stamford Bridge to put faith in young players such as Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount, who he also managed at Derby County last season.
Gudjohnsen likens the situation when Terry was coming through the ranks at Chelsea and was afforded the time to grow as a player before becoming the club's captain and the leader of the England national side.
"It has not been the best of starts but that is to be expected," Gudjohnsen told Goal. "I think this year will be the perfect opportunity for Chelsea as a club to mould the players, like they did with John Terry who came in at a young age. Claudio Ranieri played him constantly until he was the player he was.
"When Ranieri signed him, Lampard's first season was pretty average. I think he would say that himself, but every season he grew. Once he played every game, then you could see him growing and becoming more important to the team.
"Then he became arguably the best player in Chelsea’s history. It is an incredible record he had and it shows that if you are given the time, then you can reach the absolute top.
"Maybe this situation at Chelsea of not being able to sign players is a blessing in disguise. I think we have to be patient and not focus on results too much this year or where we are going to end up. Of course, a team like Chelsea should be pushing for at least a Champions League place."
