Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jack Rathborn

Reece James: Frank Lampard hints at new position in future after impressing against Crystal Palace

James impressed against Palace ( REUTERS )

Frank Lampard has hinted at Reece James playing in midfield in the future after the Chelsea youngster's impressive full Premier League debut against Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old performed admirably at right-back in place of Cesar Azpilicueta, enjoying great success up against Wilfried Zaha.

And Lampard has hailed the youngster and predicted a future for him in midfield as well as his preferred right-back role.

"Right-back would be his favoured position," Lampard claimed. "Whether it be there, right wing-back or right of a three.

"As he’s coming into the team, you’d see him there but he does have that all-round game that he could handle playing centrally in midfield if needs be.

"At the moment we’ve got good players in there who are used to playing in there anyway, but he could always do that as he matures through his career."

Lampard now has a selection headache for after the international break.

He could bring Azpilicueta back in, or utilise James as an extra man in midfield against the Premier League champions Man City, who sit a point behind the Blues after defeat to Liverpool.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.