Frank Lampard has explained his decision to drop captain Cesar Azpilicueta in place of Reece James for Chelsea's clash against Crystal Palace.
The Blues' skipper has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season but misses out to 19-year-old academy graduate James.
The youngster, who spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic in the Championship, scored his first goal for the club on Tuesday night in Chelsea's thrilling 4-4 draw with Ajax.
James is one of the two changes to the Chelsea team that beat Watford last Saturday, with N'Golo Kante making a timely return to midfield to partner Matteo Kovacic with Jorginho missing through suspension.
Lampard has shown extraordinary faith in his youth crop of academy graduates this term, with Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori all lining up for Chelsea once again.
Only Christian Pulisic's impressive form that has seen him score four times in his last two Premier League outings has prevented Callum Hudson-Odoi joining that list too.
With Emerson still nursing his way back to full fitness and needing minutes under his belt, Lampard explained his decision to start James ahead of Azpilicueta for the Eagles visit.
"Yeah, he is (a model of consistency)," Lampard told BT Sports ahead of kick-off.
"I spoke with him (Azpilicueta) because I've got huge respect for him, I think he's a legend of the club. For me, as a captain, he's huge in what he delivers and the message he sends down the players.
"It's more I've got two choices at full-back and Reece has done well. Azpi is in good form too but I thought it was a good chance to give Reece some minutes."
