Zatara
Player Valuation: £100m
Big fan of him apparently, wanted him to replace Tomori and Rudiger as mentioned in the Athletic (screenshot of the article when Lampard left Chelsea).
Admittedly, both Tomori and Rudiger are miles better than Tarkowski, but it shows how much he rates him.
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Funny one that. It's reassuring that Lampard has had his eye on Tarkowski for awhile because he'll have a really good plan for him, but the rest of that passage is concerning. He clearly didn't know how to manage Rudiger, as he absolutely flourished as soon as Tuchel came in. Tomori leaving was another mistake, but at least on that note he worked with him closely at Derby, so it might have just been a case of surplus to requirements. Declan Rice would be totally wasted as a CB...though he wasn't the only one to have that line of thought if I remember correctly. Definitely an interesting insight.
Friend of mine is pretty clued up on Chelsea.
Lampard wanted to build on the young English contingent of James, Mount etc (hence wanting Chilwell) but felt that he had 1 CB too many. So he said Tomori should be sent on loan -- Marina then added in the option to buy which was not Lampards choice.
Also, Rudiger massively improved when played in a 3 under Tuchel. In a back 4 apparently not the best for Lampard.
Tarkowski was wanted as he was seen as one of the best CBs in the league at the time and the main reason Burnley had done so well that season. Typical old school experienced CB was the view.
Rice was a surprise link as he looked overrated and some thought Lampard was a bit mad to want a high fee spent on him
Just the take from my mate.