Ranking Chelsea's 3 best players so far this season

This summer, Frank Lampard replaced Maurizio Sarri as Chelsea's head coach. Despite a shaky start, it's worked out quite well for the Blues thus far. Despite questions being asked following Eden Hazard's departure and their transfer ban, the team is flying.

The young lads, who form the team's core right now, are thriving and constantly play free-flowing, attacking football. A top-four Premier League finish seems a safe bet right now.

More experienced players including Marcos Alonso, Pedro Rodriguez and Olivier Giroud are struggling to earn regular first-team minutes - though there are several players enjoying the benefits of Lampard's presence, who themselves are thriving under his guidance. So, here's a list of Chelsea's three best performers so far this term as we enter the festive period:

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#3 Christian Pulišić

Christian Pulišić has already asserted himself as Chelsea's most exciting player to watch

Third place in this list, we have Christian Pulišić. After a slow start to his career in England's top-flight, Pulišić has completely come to life at Chelsea. The American winger, who fits right into their playstyle and Frank Lampard's philosophies, has made fans forget about Hazard.

Pulišić is by far their most creative player. The calmness he brings to the game with his touch control and how he glides past opponents with ease is just beautiful. He averages 2.8 dribbles per league game, proving just how unreal his technical ability is.

With clever off-the-ball movement and attacking runs in-and-around the final third, the 21-year-old has also proven an ever-present threat for defenders to contend with. Chelsea have a real gem on their hands and there is no doubt he'll get even better under Lampard's guidance, with more league minutes under his belt. Despite initial questions over his £60m fee, he's already proven he has everything to go to the top level in world football.

#2 Tammy Abraham

Tammy Abraham has netted 11 goals and created three assists in 15 Premier League appearances this term

Chelsea finally have a striker breaking the curse of the number nine shirt. With 11 goals and three assists in 15 Premier League appearances this term, Tammy Abraham is enjoying life under Lampard.

His goal-scoring tally is even more impressive when you realise he doesn't take penalties either, but there is more to his game than just goals too: his all-round game makes him so special, teammates link up well alongside him and they appear a more fluid team in transition, while he's constantly on the move like a real quality striker should be.

Their defeat by West Ham in midweek proved his absence is a significant miss for Chelsea's attacking capabilities. Despite still having defensive issues, there are no longer any doubts over their no.9. After all, he's shown great resilience to defy critics after receiving racist abuse online following his penalty miss in their UEFA Super Cup defeat by Liverpool in August: now he's the league's second top goalscorer and firing on all cylinders.

#1 Mateo Kovačić

The Croatian midfielder has turned out to be an absolute steal for £40m

And finally, Chelsea's best player of 2019-20 so far is Mateo Kovačić. The Croatian midfielder has stolen the spotlight with his superb performances. With Sarri, Kovačić was below average and seemed restricted in holding midfield, but has been reborn under Lampard.

Lampard knows exactly how to use Kovačić and he has shaped him into an effective two-way midfield player. Moving him a bit deeper alongside Jorginho or N'Golo Kante has been a brilliant move, while giving the Croatian more freedom to utilise it as a reliable ball-carrier from defence into attack within seconds. Also, he is incredibly press-resistant with great and fluid transitional play. His underrated defensive capabilities are also worthy of a mention.

After making his loan deal permanent for £40m from Real Madrid this past summer, he's turned into an absolute bargain. Should he add more goals and assists to his game, he'll become an integral part of Lampard's Chelsea project.