Frank Lampard sends message to Chelsea fans about Alvaro Morata – exclusive
Frank Lampard is backing Alvaro Morata to be able to step in for Diego Costa at Chelsea next season
Frank Lampard believes that Alvaro Morata is ready to step into Diego Costa’s boots at Chelsea next season.
The 24-year-old became Chelsea’s fourth signing of the summer last month when he penned a five-year contract with the Premier League champions after leaving Real Madrid.
The £58m move came as something of a surprise to many after Morata was heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester United before the Red Devils opted to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton.
Morata made an uninspiring start to his Chelsea career last weekend when he came on as a substitute in the Blues’ loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
The Spain striker missed his penalty at Wembley as Arsene Wenger’s men triumphed in the shootout.
Morata will be hoping to make his Premier League debut when Chelsea host Burnley at Stamford Bridge in their season curtain-raiser on Saturday afternoon.
And Chelsea legend Lampard believes that Morata has what it takes to deliver for the Blues next season.
Asked if he feels Morata can step up and replace Costa, BT Sport pundit Lampard told The Sport Review: “Yeah, I do.
“But we won’t know until the season starts because it’s a big ask.
“At Real Madrid last year he was slightly in and out [of the team], he wasn’t their main striker.
“To come to a club like Chelsea and be number one, and to have to follow someone who’s done it very well in Diego Costa, there’s pressure. That’s how you separate the good from the great.
“I hope he’s got the mentality because I certainly think that he’s got the talent, and not it’s up to him to be confident enough to come in and say ‘yes, I’m number one’ and score 20+ goals a season, which would keep Chelsea right up there.”
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