Frank Lampard has told Chelsea’s fringe players to follow Marcos Alonso’s example on how to fight back in from the cold at Stamford Bridge.
Spain left-back Alonso fell out of favour when taken off at half-time as Chelsea scrambled a 4-4 Champions League draw at home to Ajax in November.
The 29-year-old has only played five times since, but now boasts three goals in his last two Premier League matches.
Alonso drilled a fine winner in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge and then pounced twice to snatch the Blues a patchy 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday.
And now Lampard has praised the former Real Madrid and Fiorentina man for his dogged pursuit of a route back into his plans.
“I’m really pleased with Marcos; he has always had that since he has been at Chelsea, a great record of scoring goals,” said Lampard.
“It was a great technique for the first one and great anticipation for the second one. He nearly even had a third, as he was in the box there at the end.
“I am really pleased with that and I can’t ask for any more than when a player doesn’t play always regularly, that they are professional and train well. They keep their head down and play well, perform like that. I think he is a great example to the younger players on how he has handled that.”
Alonso and Reece James are afforded plenty of attacking scope when Chelsea play 3-5-2, a system that allows for captain Cesar Azpilicueta to function in a back trio.
Lampard admitted his selections are always coloured by his tactical choice.
Asked if he regrets not playing Alonso more given his recent resurgence, Lampard replied: “No. It is an easy-with-hindsight question.
“Marcos played some games early in the season. We have had the emergence of Reece James, who has been very, very good for us this season and I have to find a balance.
“Sometimes it affects the system of the play. There are different reasons why I have to pick the team. So, no. Not regrets. I am always trying to get the best out of each game. I am pleased with how Alonso has come back in.
