These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Hazard tips Lampard for managerial success

According to the Mirror, former Chelsea star Eden Hazard believes Frank Lampard could become one of the best managers in the game after his fine start with the Blues.

The Belgian, who played alongside Lampard at Stamford Bridge for two seasons, missed out on working under his former team-mate when he joined Real Madrid in the summer.However, he is delighted to see the Blues kick on under the management of the Chelsea legend, whom he believes is destined for even greater things.‘I wasn't surprised about Frank Lampard,’ said Hazard after helping Belgium to a 4-1 away win over Russia on Saturday.‘I know Frank as a player not a manager but he is a great guy. He has shown already in four months that he came be one of the best managers in the world.

‘The good thing is they are playing with young English players. They are lucky to have young players with quality. Maybe with two or three more they would be first in the Premier League.‘When I saw them play it was nice to see them all play together. I still have friends there and want them to do well.’

Batshuayi has fun after team-mate takes his shirt

Michy Batshuayi poked fun at his Belgium team-mate Dedryck Boyata on Instagram, as reported by the Mail, after the defender inadvertently wore his shirt for an entire half during the game against Russia.The Chelsea striker only came on as a substitute for the last 13 minutes of the game but his No.23 shirt was also on the pitch during the first half after starting-defender Boyata mistakenly put it on.

The 28-year-old, who now plays for German side Hertha Berlin, changed into his own No.4 shirt at half-time but Batshuayi could not resist the opportunity to have some fun at his team-mate’s expense.'Happy to have realised this kid's dream yesterday', wrote Batshuayi with an image of Botoya in the wrongly-numbered kit.

Zola ‘surprised’ by Tomori’s rise

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has told Soccer AM he is surprised by the development of Fikayo Tomori under Frank Lampard this season.While working as an assistant head coach under Maurizio Sarri last season, Zola had the chance to watch Tomori in pre-season training but did not expect the defender to have as great an impact as he has had in this campaign.‘Chelsea have been amazing this season. There have been a few [players] that have been impressing me,’ said the Italian, as reported by www.football.london.

‘Tomori is one of the players. Last year we had him in the pre-season and we couldn't see all the qualities that he is showing now.‘That is a surprise and a big lesson for us and me personally as well. They are going beyond my expectations.’Zola is not so surprised though with the development of two other Chelsea youngsters.‘Mason Mount is not surprising me because I saw the videos of him playing in Holland and Derby. He needed to adapt but there was always a big potential,’ he said.‘I'm not surprised about Tammy [Abraham]. When we had him he was a raw talent but I loved the attitude and positivity. They have all got a great attitude.’