Frank Lampard: Chelsea star is too slow, he needs to step his game up

Tiemoue Bakayoko signed for Chelsea in the summer Photo: Tiemoue Bakayoko / Instagram

Frank Lampard has warned Tiemoue Bakayoko that he will have to step his game up if he wants to hold down a regular spot in the Chelsea first team this season.

The French midfielder has been getting used to life at Stamford Bridge since signing for the Blues from Monaco in the summer transfer window.

Bakayoko started the season having recovered from a knee problem and has since been a regular fixture in the first team for Antonio Conte’s men following the surprise sale of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.

However, the midfielder was criticised for a below-par performance for Chelsea in their 1-1 draw with Liverpool FC in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday as he seemingly struggled to find his feet in the game.

Bakayoko played 77 minutes of the game at Anfield before he was substituted by Conte.

Chelsea legend Lampard knows a thing or two about lining up in midfield for the west London side, and the former England star admits that he is yet to be convinced by Bakayoko.

Speaking to BT Sport after Saturday’s game, Lampard said: “When you’re a Chelsea midfield player and you go to Liverpool away, you have to understand that you can’t affect the game on the ball all the time. Liverpool will have a lot of possession.

“One thing you can do is be at it without the ball by closing people one. You’re not just helping yourself, you’re helping the next person.

“Today, he didn’t do it. He was too slow getting there and he let people get their head up and play whatever pass they wanted to.”

Bakayoko will be expecting to feature for Chelsea when the Blues return to Premier League action on Wednesday night with a home clash against Swansea City.

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