• Premier League

Lampard: Hazard is just getting started

ESPN staff
September 5, 2012
Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres are developing as a partnership © Getty Images
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Frank Lampard has backed Chelsea new-boy Eden Hazard to get even better as he adapts to life in the Premier League.

Lampard has been hugely impressed by Hazard's sparkling start to his Chelsea career following his £32.5 million summer move, with his instant impact taking the veteran performer by surprise.

"It's not easy to come from another country and adapt to the Premier League straight away because the tackles fly in and the pace of the game is so fast in England, so the manner in which Eden has settled in has been fantastic," Lampard said.

"He has been talked about as one of the great young players in European football and I think he has lived up to that billing in his first few games at Chelsea. He has shown glimpses of what he is all about and I'm sure he will get better."

Lampard feels the role he is being asked to play in an attack-minded Chelsea side requires him to show more discipline this season, but he is relishing the challenge in a new-look Blues side.

"We have a few extra attacking players in the team and I probably need to be a little bit more disciplined and make sure I do my defensive duties, but there is still license for me to get into goal scoring positions," said the midfielder, who needs just five more goals in Chelsea colours to draw level with Stamford Bridge legend Kerry Dixon in the club's all-time scoring charts.

"I have always tried to time my runs from a deep position anyway, so not a lot has changed for me and when you have guys like Eden, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres in the team, you need to let them do what they do best."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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