New York City FC midfielder Frank Lampard has claimed that English football risks missing out on talented players at a young age unless more is done to given them first-team action.
The former England international came through the ranks at West Ham United and made his debut for the Hammers in 1996, going on to make 60 appearances in all competitions within two-and-a-half seasons of his bow.
Lampard, who will make his debut for New York this weekend, has admitted that he is concerned young English players will not receive similar opportunities to him in the modern game.
"The way the Premier League is it's so competitive, it's not easy for young boys to break through," the 37-year-old told BBC Sport. "Those late teens, early 20s, you can lose a young player."
"There are questions that need to be answered that may help young boys get the quality they need at a younger age because that is a huge part of your development. I think you can lose potentially top players."
Lampard has made 885 club appearances for West Ham, Chelsea and Manchester City.
