Former midfielder Joe Cole has backed Ross Barkley to achieve similar success at Chelsea as manager Frank Lampard.
While Barkley has endured an indifferent period at Stamford Bridge since January 2018, the England international starred as Chelsea defeated Liverpool and Everton before football was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Although the 26-year-old continues to divide opinion in West London, Cole has tipped the playmaker to continue to develop as a player, much like club legend Lampard.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Cole said: "Ross has improved. He is a top player. I'm a big fan of Ross Barkley. Always have been.
"He's been a bit less spoken about because of Jack Grealish and James Maddison and Mason Mount, but he's done a terrific job at Chelsea. The last two games, against Liverpool and Everton, he was brilliant. Absolutely fantastic.
"I've always thought he was a top player and I think he'll be at Chelsea for many, many years. Now the challenge for Ross is can he keep doing that, can he be that player who drives Chelsea on to win trophies, like his manager was? I think he can."
While he has failed to score in 13 Premier League appearances this season, Barkley has netted three times in cup competitions.
Darren Plant
