Frank Lampard believes only fierce competition for positions will prevent Kevin De Bruyne from establishing himself at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho.
The Belgium international began his Premier League career at Stamford Bridge but opportunities are scarce as Lampard's playing days draw to a close.
De Bruyne then rebuilt his reputation in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg before Manchester City spent �50m in the summer of 2015 to bring him back to England.
The 31-year-old is now considered one of the best midfielders of his generation and underlined his class with another mesmerizing display in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Lampard's Chelsea side will be looking to ruin the party at the Etihad on Sunday with City just three points away from the Premier League title and he admits De Bruyne's save will be key for those that hope. "I've always liked Kevin as a player," Lampard said in his pre-match press conference. "I loved him when he was with us at Chelsea and we were teammates and I love him now as a top midfielder.
�When I think back to his time at Chelsea, we were mainly playing 4-2-3-1, and I played a little bit deeper as one of the six. Kevin is fighting more for the No 10 or one of the two wingers.
�So I wouldn't say we were particularly competitive for a spot on the team, but you can see his quality. "Kevin is a fantastic player and he has become one of Manchester City's best players over the past few years. He will certainly be one of many threats that we must be prepared to counter. again."
�When he was with us when he was younger, we probably worked together pretty well in those attacking areas. Eden [Hazard] was there, [Andre] Schurrle was there, Juan Mata was there and what I remember about Kevin is the real desire and the desire to come play.
"Personally I don't know the complicated things that went on back then between him, the club and the coach, but looking back now, I respect the fact that he left to play regularly. " You can see that hunger in his game and he always wants to show the talent he has.
"He's gotten stronger and stronger, he's had an incredible promotion as a player and I love watching him play. To get to the numbers he gets, through goals and assists from midfield, he's fantastic and his passing range is incredible. If it's not the best in the league, it's definitely there.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0