Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has suggested Reece James’ future at the club could be in central midfield.

The 19-year-old impressed against Crystal Palace on Saturday when he kept Wilfried Zaha quiet during Chelsea’s 2-0 win against the Eagles at Stamford Bridge.

The teenager was playing in his favoured right-back position but he faces competition from Cesar Azpilicueta for a starting berth and Lampard wants to retain some experience in what is a young back five.

Lampard hasn’t been scared to throw young players into the mix this term and is keen for James to get more experience.

And Lampard believes James could do so with a central midfield role, report the Metro.

“Right-back would be his favoured position,” admitted Lampard.

“Whether it be there, right wing-back or right of a three. As he’s coming into the team, you’d see him there but he does have that all-round game that he could handle playing centrally in midfield if needs be.

“At the moment we’ve got good players in there who are used to playing in there anyway, but he could always do that as he matures through his career.”

James came in for Chelsea captain on Saturday in a somewhat surprising move given the Spaniard’s good form. But Lampard says Azpilicueta took the decision well and understands the club’s need to rotate.