“It was a difficult story — Frank Lampard finally reveals why Chelsea star didn’t get a chance under him
Frank Lampard took Tomori and Mason Mount on loan during his time at Derby County, and the Blues duo performed exceptionally in the Championship.
During the transfer ban at Chelsea, Lampard also ensured he gave the duo playing time, as academy graduates like Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Billy Gilmour and also the duo of Tomori and Mount continued to excel under Lampard.
Surprisingly, Tomori fell out of favour under Lampard and barely featured for the club legend before opting for a loan deal which has ended in a permanent move.
Lampard has now revealed how he tried to help Tomori but the player didn’t understand.
Speaking about the impact that Tomori and Mason Mount had while on loan at Derby, Lampard told Coral: “They brought in a lot of energy and enthusiasm for us but I did also realise I underestimated the rest of the squad. The likes of Nugent, Keogh, Bryson and Johnson I found them all the be fantastic professionals and excellent players.
“I am very proud of Mason Mount but it’s all down to him in many respects. His quality, his attributes, how he applies himself in training and his work ethic is special.
“He’s building his own story and I am part of that in that I gave him a chance and I’m definitely proud of that. Fikayo was immense at Derby, growing into the season and getting better every week.
“It was a difficult story in the end because we had too many centre-halves in the end in the second year at Chelsea and I really wanted to help him but I’m not sure he really understood that.
“It is hard when you are at the top level because it is so cut throat and there are always difficult periods for young players.”