has backed to rediscover his best form and believes ‘one of the best wingers in the world’ can help salvage ’s season.
The west Londoners have endured a miserable season domestically and have failed to win their last four matches, suffering defeat against Wolves on Saturday.
Chelsea are currently sat in 11th place, 17 points adrift of the top four, and caretaker boss Lampard has a big challenge on his hands to get the Blues firing again.
Next up, the side travel to the Spanish capital to take on Champions League holders Real Madrid in the quarter-final, with victory in the competition now their only shot at silverware.
Lampard is hoping Sterling – who only has seven goals in 29 appearances in all competitions this season – can start to live up to his world-class credentials and believes the he could be crucial to ending the season on a high.
‘I think he’s a fantastic player,’ said the Chelsea boss.
‘He’s been one of the best wingers in the world for a long time — at times, maybe in some people’s opinion, the best.
‘I can’t remember how many times I’ve referenced: the wingers when I was here previously, at Derby, and at Everton, have watched Raheem Sterling and see why he scores 20 goals a season plus.
‘I’ve spoken to Raheem a little bit over the last couple of days. We also have to get the right team structure to make it best for the players — and then drive them.
‘I’ll speak to Raheem more. I just think he’s a top player. Raheem has shown what a player he is.’
On whether Sterling can raise his levels for the trip to Madrid, Lampard continued: ‘Yeah possibly.
‘I haven’t watched every Chelsea game this season, but he is certainly a player of a high level and a high confidence level. It won’t phase him.
‘In fact, he’s risen to games like that in the past. That’s something we’ll obviously rely on. Some elements of the squad might be a bit younger; Raheem’s been there and done it.’
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