Chelsea fans must look at the bigger picture when it come to Tariq Lamptey

Chelsea fans must look at the bigger picture when it comes to Tariq Lamptey

Tariq Lamptey was Frank Lampard's eighth academy graduate to make their professional debut alongside Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, Reece James, Billy Gilmour, Marc Guehi, Ian Maatsen, and Tino Anjorin. Willing to commit their future to Chelsea, Tariq Lamptey had other plans to further his career.

Chelsea celebrating their 2-1 win over Arsenal
at the Emirates

 Lamptey made his debut, coming off the bench at the Emirates, to help inspire a 2-1 win over Arsenal in late December. Frank Lampard and Jody Morris had hoped by parachuting him into such a huge fixture, it would convince the teenager to agree on his future with the London Club. But Lamptey could see through that. 

We don't know but it's clear Lamptey demanded first-team football but with the likes of Captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, and fellow graduate, Reece James, ahead in the pecking order. It was obvious the chances of getting a chance we're slim. 

On the 31st of January 2020, Tariq Lamptey completed a move to Brighton and Hove Albion for a deal worth around £5 million. It is unclear whether the Blues have a buy-back clause or not but Chelsea wasn't in a strong position to play hardball. 

French club Lille gained interest and had engaged in arranging a pre-existing contract with the English full-back, which any player in England can sign when reaching the final six months on their current deal. Chelsea was now in a position where they could lose an academy graduate they had put so much time and effort in, for nothing. So when Brighton came knocking, it was hard for Chelsea to say no. 

Tariq Lamptey completing his move to Brighton  

Tariq Lamptey speaking to Brighton's official website...“It was a really tough decision to leave as I’ve been at Chelsea since the age of seven and seen it all the way to the under-23s, and then the first team,"

“It was a proud moment when I made my Premier League debut, but I felt that it was the right time to start a new chapter and come to this brilliant club."

After signing for Brighton, he spoke about his qualities and what he can bring to the club. "I’m quick, tenacious, I’ve got good skills and am good in one-v-one situations both offensively and defensively. I give everything for the team and I don’t stop smiling!"

What I like most about Tariq Lamptey is his positivity and confidence in himself. So far in the Premier League, he has impressed most fans and pundits. Since the restart, he has had a tackle percentage of 88% and already has an assist to his name after six games. Lampard described him as "fearless" after his Chelsea debut. 

While lots of Chelsea fans on Twitter have criticised the club for letting the full-back go, it's been quite clear that, since the restart, Tariq Lamptey has been Brighton's best player. He was man of the match on his debut versus Leicester and arguably their best player in defeats to Man United and Liverpool. But can you blame Chelsea for letting him go? 

Reece James is another academy graduate to make his debut
for Chelsea this season

Frank Lampard confirmed Chelsea was talking about a new contract but reports stated that Lampard was "shocked" when Lamptey rejected a contract extension. While some fans may disagree about the departure of Lamptey, this can only be seen as good business from Chelsea selling an unknown youth product for a deal worth £5 million. 

Chelsea is arguably set on the position of right-back for the next decade under Reece James. 

The fact that James is also a year older than Lampety would have come into consideration when the Chelsea board made their decision to let Lamptey go. So while some fans may feel this is a big loss, they must look at the bigger picture ahead. 

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