Chelsea defender Reece James has backed academy starlet Tino Anjorin to follow in the footsteps of breakout sensation Billy Gilmour and challenge for a place in the first team.
Frank Lampard has been keen to give Chelsea’s youngsters a chance to shine this season, with the Blues now one of the youngest sides in the Premier League, and Gilmour is the latest player off their conveyor belt of talent.
The Scot, who joined from Rangers, gave a brilliant display in Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Liverpool and then backed it up with a man-of-the-match performance against Everton on his full Premier League debut.
Chelsea’s academy is bursting with talent and during an Ask Me Anything Q&A with Bleacher Report on Thursday James revealed who he believes will be the next youngster to make a breakthrough like Gilmour.
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‘Be on the look out for Tino Anjorin,’ replied James. ‘He’s debuted already but he’s one who can break into the first team.’
The England Under-19 attacker was an unused substitute against Liverpool and then made his debut for the club against Everton, very nearly opening his account in the 4-0 win after being set up by Gilmour.
Asked what it is like to work under a manager like Lampard who gives youth a chance, James continued: ‘The minute I found out I was very grateful.
‘It’s great to work under him. He understands the game as well.
‘If you’re doing well he’ll tell you, if you’re not he’ll make sure you know it and he’ll show you how to improve. I’ve improved a ton under him.’
On how Lampard has changed the mentality at Chelsea, he added: ‘I think everyone that came in before didn’t have experience at the club. He came through and changed how we felt right away.’
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