Frank Lampard excited about Hakim Ziyech and Reece James’ partnership

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Frank Lampard said he is happy with Reece James’ and Hakim Ziyech’s partnership on the right side of the pitch and it was part of his plan when he brought the latter to the club.

The Chelsea fans had to wait for the link-up between arguably their best two crossers due to Ziyech’s injury earlier in the season, but they must be pleased with what they have seen from the last two games.

Ziyech bagged an assist (and a goal) in their win over Burnley, while James provided the assist for Tammy Abraham’s goal against Rennes.

It is certainly a difficult task for any left full-back to defend against a winger who likes to cut inside on his left foot, while also having to track an overlapping full-back who likes to play wide and whip the ball into the box with his right foot.

And apparently, it has been part of Lampard’s plan all along.

He told reporters in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sheffield United match (via Chelsea’s official YouTube channel): “That was part of my thinking when Hakim Ziyech came to the club, the balance of the sides of the pitch which is very important for us.

“We knew Reece’s quality last year in terms of crossing.

“And when you think you can have a winger in front of him that can offer different angles and combinations on that side to put balls into the box, then I think it can be a big strength of ours.”

Lampard also mentioned Cesar Azpilicueta, who has provided a lot of assists during his time at the club and can also offer more crosses from different angles.

“When we look at that side of the pitch, it’s something we want to exploit. We can get better at it, but it’s something I’m happy with and we keep working on,” he added.

Interestingly, it seems that James has felt his partnership with Ziyech could work since the pre-season.

“The link-up started today @hziyech” he wrote on Instagram in August.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEe2kZ8BTp9/?utm_source=ig_embed

With these two on the right side of the pitch, and another accomplished crosser in Ben Chilwell (who has had two assists already at Chelsea) on the left, it is easy to see why Lampard said he wants to use Timo Werner as a left winger, which would allow him to deploy either Abraham or Olivier Giroud in a No.9 role.