Frank Lampard questions Chelsea's expectations of Callum Hudson-Odoi | OneFootball

Callum Hudson-Odoi was one of Chelsea’s brighter spots early on in Frank Lampard’s reign but has failed to live up to ‘expectations’, making just his first start in over two months over the weekend against Southampton.

While Lampard was quick to admit that the 19-year-old has not been consistent, he has vowed to stand by his side as he continues to grow as a player.

“Maybe [it is about consistency], and maybe we’re asking too much,” Lampard said in his pre-match press conference.

“Because at 19, there’s not many in the Premier League that are playing every week, especially at a club like ourselves.

“He has competition in those areas, so his consistency needs to be in how he works, how he trains every day, how much pressure he puts on me to play him. That is one thing he’ll strive for.

“From all the conversations I’ve had with him, he understands what he needs to do on and off the pitch, and I will certainly stick with him.

“…I’m not sure [if the Bayern reports are related to the criticism], but if that is the case, I think that will quite quickly go away. It’s up to him to put that to bed.

“He signed a really long contract here, declared he wants to be here. We’re happy but now he has to produce.”

Having celebrated his 19th birthday in November, Hudson-Odoi has already racked up an impressive 46 first-team appearances for the Blues, scoring six goals and assisting a further nine.