"It’s not always easy to have great consistency" - Frank Lampard rates Chelsea's top four chances after bright start under Enzo Maresca 

Frank Lampard has backed Chelsea to challenge for the top four under Enzo Maresca this season. The Englishman feels the Blues are on the right path after their start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

Chelsea have had their fair share of struggles since Todd Boehly & Co. acquired the club in 2022. The Blues finished 12th that season and saw three different managers at the helm during the campaign.

The west Londoners then secured a sixth-place finish under Mauricio Pochettino but decided to part ways with the Argentine in favor of Maresca. They have had a great start to the season under the Italian boss, winning four of their first six league fixtures.

The Blues are currently fourth in the table, two points off the top of the league. Speaking about their chances of finishing the Champions League spots this season, Lampard said (via Metro):

"They’re young, that’s a fact, and with a young team, it’s not always easy to have great consistency. Maybe to win things [with young players], it’s not always easy. But it’s a strategy that Chelsea have taken. At the moment and the start of the season they’ve had now, it feels like they are going in the right direction."

"There is lots of young talent, especially in forward areas. There are lots of options to change in-game or change and stay fresh. After two or three years of being in a transition and a difficult time, change of ownership, change of managers, change of players and the squad… there’s a lot of new faces and players… it’s understandable that they haven’t competed."

Lampard concluded:

"But I do feel now that they’re in a good position to challenge for top four again, to be where Chelsea expect to be."

The Blues will next face Gent in the Conference League on Thursday (October 3).

Rio Ferdinand heaps praise on Chelsea star who's 'got everything'

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has lavished praise on Chelsea star Cole Palmer. The pundit insists that he would pay to watch the 22-year-old in action over any other youngster in the league.

Palmer showed extraordinary form following his £45 million move to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City last summer. He racked up 27 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.

The England international is off to an excellent start this term as well, scoring six goals and providing four assists in six league appearances so far. Speaking about the forward on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said:

“Palmer is top. I’m paying to watch Palmer over all of the young English players right now because what he does… He’s got everything."

The Blues will return to Premier League action when they host Nottingham Forest on Sunday (October 6).