Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has hailed Raheem Sterling as one of the best wingers in the world, with Lampard admitting in some people’s opinion Sterling is the best winger in the world.

“I think he’s a fantastic player,” said Lampard. “He’s been one of the best wingers in the world for a long time, at times maybe in some people’s opinions the best.

“I can’t remember how many times I’ve referenced him as an example to young wingers when I was here previously at Chelsea and at Derby and Everton, telling them to watch Raheem Sterling and see why he scores 20 goals a season plus, stuff like that. So I’ve got the highest regard for him in that sense.

“I’ve spoken to Raheem a little bit over the last few of days. But we also need to get the right team structure to make it best for the players and then drive them, to get the best out of them. So I’ll speak to Raheem more.

“I just think he’s a top player. These things are always 50-50 for me, it’s about getting the right structure for the player and then the rest is the player themselves, but Raheem’s shown what a player he is.”