Chelsea Legends Zola, Lampard Lavish Praise On 'Excellent' Nigerian Defender Despite Own Goal

Published: October 31, 2018

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has hailed Fikayo Tomori after his impressive performance for Derby County in the fourth round of the League Cup on Wednesday evening.

Tomori misjudged the ball and sliced into his own net to give his parent club the lead in the 5th minute but Zola refused to criticize the England U21 international and pointed out that Morata would have buried the chance.

''He has been unlucky, but the performance he put on was excellent. It happens and if he didn’t touch it then Morata was there to score,'' Zola told reporters post-match.

''I have to say he played well, Mount was excellent. It looks like they are in good hands and the coaching they are getting is excellent.

''We always keep contact with them, we know everything about them and we hope they continue.''

On the performance of Tomori, Derby County coach Frank Lampard said : ''It wasn’t great for Tomori in the first four minutes, but I thought his character was immense.

''This wasn’t a night for Mason to run it as he has in other games. I love his attitude and they both played superbly. Hopefully they will play lots for Chelsea in the future.''

Chelsea's reward for beating Derby County is a quarterfinal meeting with Jordon Ibe's Bournemouth.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : dcfc.co.uk