Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley says his excellent pre-season form has been influenced by the arrival of manager Frank Lampard.
The 25-year-old scored a superb freekick against Reading at the weekend, and the attacking midfielder says he is taking advice from the Blues legend:
“He [Lampard] will help out all the midfielders. He is a legend of the game and he is the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history so we are going to take all he has to give us, his expertise and his playing past and we are going to take all of that on board.”
Fans on Twitter are hoping Barkley’s pre-season performances continue on into the regular season:
20 goals incoming this season! ?
— JF5 (@ChelseaJF5_) 30 July 2019
Apart from Kepa, every member of the team must be hungry for goals. Goals from inside the penalty area, outside the penalty area, from free-kicks, from corners, from throw-ins. We need goals from everybody and everywhere…
— Kay-Kay (@MisterKay112) 30 July 2019
He will be a different player under Lamps, he’s already told him to take more risks.. we were too robotic last season imo
— BT (@BenTruman8) 30 July 2019
Then keep listening to lamps. Shooting shot always
— Chelsea Fc News (@baller_pulisic) 30 July 2019
Good to hear. ??
— PapaBeats (@Tarallo_) 30 July 2019
Superb… Will need more of ur goals dis season
— Unbothered?? Hardeywale❣️ (@hassanhammed131) 30 July 2019
Your time is now Ross. ?
— pride falls (@pfoloshi4) 30 July 2019
I really hope he shines… I had high hopes for him when he signed
— Jr. Chukwu (@JeezyTheGr8t) 30 July 2019
what Chelsea need this year… someone who's hungry for goals.
— Ka_ U_Na (@Itz_Queen_K) 30 July 2019
Mount and Barkley as #10's this season will be great.
— nana_kwësi_asuamah_zabzêo (@ZABZERO5) 30 July 2019
There is fierce competition for places in Chelsea’s midfield with Barkley likely vying for a starting berth with Mason Mount, who has also been excellent over the past few weeks.
Barkley made 29 starts under Maurizio Sarri last season, but he did struggle to find the back of the net. All three of his goals in the Premier League came in a three-match spell in October.
The midfielder’s only other goals came in the two legs against Malmo in the last 32 of the Europa League. He will want to improve on that record this campaign.
