Kenny Cunningham praised the impact that Frank Lampard has had on Chelsea in his first season with the club as manager.
Chelsea took a big step towards Champions League qualification on Tuesday as goals from Giroud, Pulisic and Abraham helped them to a 3-2 victory at Selhurst Park.
“I just think he’s had a great impact in a short period of time,” Cunningham said.
“In terms of his personality, his man-management, it looks as though he’s had an impact on all the players young and old and really pulled that dressing room together.”
Former Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham has been impressed by the work Frank Lampard's been doing at Chelsea pic.twitter.com/PlhkW6E6sy
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) July 7, 2020
The former Ireland captain also praised Lampard’s development of young players.
“He was quite vocal when he came in, saying that he was going to give the younger players an opportunity.”
Academy products like Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham have played prominent roles in Chelsea's season.
“He was committed to the development of the young talent at the football club.”
Cunningham has been impressed by Lampard’s tactical flexibility even going back to his time at Derby.
“From a tactical point of view, it's interesting how he sets up his team.”
Cunningham pointed out that Chelsea have played a variety of systems through the course of the season and have been effective.
"I think generally they're heading in the right direction. He’s got some outstanding attacking players in the team and even more so next year."
Chelsea have already spent £50m on Timo Werner from RB Leipzig and £33.3m on Hakim Ziyech from Ajax.
"He knows the areas of the team that need strengthening and very slowly he’s getting around to that.
"I'm very interested to see how he looks to strengthen the team across the defensive line and potentially in central midfield.
"That will be key as to whether Chelsea could potentially challenging for the championship next year."
As for the present, Lampard will be feeling the pressure to secure Champions League qualification but his side are currently well placed.
Their final four games though look tough on paper as they face Liverpool and Sheffield United away from home with Wolves and Norwich travelling to Stamford Bridge.
