Joe Cole has pinpointed the transformation Chelsea have witnessed since Frank Lampard took over in the summer, saying that the new Blues manager has been far more flexible than former boss Maurizio Sarri.

Lampard replaced Sarri in the summer, with the Italian spending just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Sarri led Chelsea to a top-four finish in the Premier League and the Europa League trophy but he was often criticised for not changing his style of play during his time at the club.

But Cole says that is one thing Lampard has done during his short time in charge so far.

“The key thing there is the flexibility,” Cole said on BT Sport.

“Too much under the Sarri era it was so monotonous and so robotic.

“Frank’s changed the system two or three times here, he’s played Mount in two or three positions, because these lads are well-schooled in that way of playing.

“So as they’ve come into the team, it’s just been smooth.

“I think continuing with that level of flexibility, who they’re playing against, can they adjust, and I think these boys, the education they’re getting, is fantastic and they’re winning on the job.”

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table following Saturday’s 1-0 home with over Newcastle United.

And, on Wednesday the London club defeated last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Ajax 1-0 at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.