Chelsea’s Derby loanees set up Chelsea loanee derby in playoff final

Even without Chelsea in the FA Cup final, Wembley Stadium will still be Blue in late May. Derby County and Aston Villa bring together Frank Lampard, John Terry and three of the club’s best loanees for the Championship playoff.

Only one of Derby County and Aston Villa will be in the Premier League next season. We checked -there’s no loophole whereby one of them can take Norwich City’s spot. Even so, Chelsea can see to it that a few of the best players – and perhaps a coach – from both teams spend next season in the top flight, regardless of who wins.

Tammy Abraham scored the final goal in the penalty shoot-out to put Aston Villa over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday. Mason Mount leveled the aggregate with a ridiculous off-balance swipe of a goal in the first minute of the second half, while Fikayo Tomori shared the lead for most defensive actions in the second leg against Leeds United.

Frank Lampard’s game management reflected a man who handled every high pressure situation a player could face. As Derby County stepped their way back into the tie in the second half, Lampard did everything he could to keep his team’s emotions in check. After every goal he permitted himself no more than a fist pump, often turning away from the goal to ensure his poker face remained intact. Even as his staff swarmed him upon Jack Marriott’s 85′ goal to put Derby up 4-3 on aggregate, Lampard freed himself so he could wave his arms at his bench telling everyone to calm down and focus on seeing out the game.

Lampard may not be ready to coach Chelsea deep in four competitions, but he has certainly shown a Premier League-level of ability. Derby County do not have the squad or finances to have a successful run in the top flight, which means Lampard would be have to show how much he can do with minimal resources even if the ceiling with the Rams would be very low.

As a man-manager, though, Lampard could already be what Chelsea need most right now: a unifying, motivating force. Lampard’s celebrations with his players and staff after the game, and going towards Derby’s travelling support, are what Chelsea have lacked throughout this season.

Lampard connects with the players and fans the way he connected with Chelsea fans and many coaches over a decade. He connects with them not just because of his accomplishments but because he wants to and makes the choice to do so. He knows why the fans are there and what they expect and deserve, not just on the final score but the moments of emotion that make the game worthwhile.

The emotions will be even more difficult to contain at Wembley, where Lampard and John Terry will face off on the pitch that saw them raise so many trophies together. Both are in contention for some kind of role at Chelsea as early as next season, as are all three of their loanees.

With Gonzalo Higuain set for a move back to Juventus (and to think those stories broke before he failed to score against the New England Revolution), Tammy Abraham has a much clearer road into the first team. Mason Mount shows every sign of being ready for the Premier League, although depending on the managerial situation at Stamford Bridge, Mount may be better off spending another year under Frank Lampard’s tutelage.

Fikayo Tomori may have the lowest chance of playing with the Blues next season, given the odd situation at centre-back. Chelsea have many on the books but a very unclear depth chart, particularly with the David Luiz extension. Tomori could earn a Premier League loan while Chelsea figures out their long-term picture on defence.

OK, enough joking around. Chelsea are certainly not the type to figure out a long-term anything.