CHELSEA legend Gianfranco Zola reckons the club failed to spot Fikayo Tomori’s amazing potential under former boss Maurizio Sarri.
And the Stamford Bridge icon and ex-Chelsea coach says he has not been at all surprised by the form of striker Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount this season.
Frank Lampard certainly saw the potential of both centre-half Tomori and midfielder Mount last season.
He took both to Derby where he managed last season, and made them first-team regulars as the Rams reached the Championship play-off final.
Canada-born Tomori, 21, has already made 15 appearances for the Blues this term, helping turn Lampard’s men into title contenders.
But Sarri felt he was not good enough for the Premier League last term.
Chelsea’s loss was most certainly Derby’s gain.
Zola, who scored 80 goals for Chelsea across more than 310 appearances spanning seven years, feels his fellow Italian Sarri – as well as himself – might have missed a trick.
He told the Evening Standard: “Tomori is one of the players. Last year we had him in the pre-season and we couldn’t see all the qualities that he is showing now.
“That is a surprise and a big lesson for us and me personally as well. They are going beyond my expectations.”
Tomori, Mount and Abraham all featured in England’s Euro 2020 final qualifier, the 4-0 win in Kosovo on Sunday.
And with this spine running through Lamps’ team, the trio could be together for many years at Stamford Bridge.
Blues are currently third and eight points behind runaway leaders Liverpool.
Zola added: “Mason Mount is not surprising me because I saw the videos of him playing in Holland and Derby. He needed to adapt but there was always a big potential.
“I’m not surprised about Tammy [Abraham]. When we had him he was a raw talent but I loved the attitude and positivity. They have all got a great attitude.”
