Chelsea starlet Fikayo Tomori hails Frank Lampard for backing him, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham
Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori has lauded manager Frank Lampard for giving him the confidence to emerge as one the club’s breakthrough stars this season.
Despite making his Blues debut in the final game of the 2015-16 season, it was only this term the 22-year-old was given another chance to shine at Stamford Bridge under Lampard.
He has since played 22 times across all competitions for the Blues and admits the experience has boosted his confidence significantly having earned the trust of Lampard last term when he was on loan at Derby County under the then Rams boss.
Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori says his confidence has skyrocketed at Chelsea this season
The defender has been a standout performer in his breakthrough season for the Blues
‘Coming into the season I knew I was going to challenge myself even more,’ he told the Football Show.
‘I didn’t know if that was going to be at Chelsea or not. It was the first time I’d spent the whole pre-season with the first-team squad. To feel like I was part of the team grew my confidence.
When he [Lampard] put me in for my full debut I felt ready. He told me as well that I’m playing because I’ve earned my spot and then I managed to get a run in the team.
The 22-year-old has impressed as one of the many young players coming into the team
Tomori (top centre) claims playing alongside fellow breakthrough stars including Tammy Abraham (top left) and Mason Mount (second bottom left) has aided his breakthrough
Tomori also added that being around other breakthrough stars including Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham has also helped his progress in being part of a Chelsea team that before the coronavirus outbreak were in pole position to claim a Champions League spot next term.
‘Going into this season Tammy did so well with Villa and Mason at Derby,’ he added. ‘All three of us thought we had an opportunity and knew we had to take it. Tammy and Mason were scoring goals and then I managed to get into the team.
‘Having each other makes it more comfortable for us and helps us relax and play our game. The experienced players make it a lot easier to adapt, as well. This season has been really fun and exciting. It’s a good environment to be in.’
It is under the management of Frank Lampard (above) that Tomori believes he has thrived
His impressive displays this term earned him his first England cap against Kosovo in 2019
‘This season has been different. It’s been an adapting period and you have to be more focused and prepared. I was trying to be relaxed about it all but then your friends and family are saying things and that gets in your head. The manager has been there and done it all so he keeps everyone calm, especially our youngsters.
Describing the current lockdown period as a ‘strange situation’ as well as the longest he has ever gone without playing football, the 22-year-old admits he misses being around his team-mates on the Cobham training ground.
‘I’m just looking forward to training, being with the team. Getting with the ball and that feeling you have with your team-mates,’ he added.
‘The jokes on the training ground and then match day when you’re in that zone. We were in a crucial part of the season as well so that feeling of knowing you have to perform is something we all miss.’
The defender cannot wait to get back to training at Cobham along with Chelsea team-mates Mount (left) and Abraham (centre)
Tomori has long admired Chelsea legend John Terry and has previously labelled the defender as an inspiration as he looks to follow in the footsteps of the former club captain.
But Tomori, who also picked up his first England cap in 2019, admits it was his father who had to convince him to be a defender following a long desire to play as a striker.
‘I was always playing centre back when I was 14 but I wanted to be in midfield,’ he continued.
‘My dad asked “what was wrong with that? It’s natural for you to play centre back.” He’s more of a watcher than a player. He’s that kind of person, likes to watch the game and analyse it. I’ve got the manager to help me with that as well but he’s good pretty good input to be fair.’
