Chelsea assistant Gianfranco Zola believes Ross Barkley's preference to play deeper is the key difference with Frank Lampard.

Blues legend Lampard was known for his late runs into the box and goalscoring ability. And while Barkley showed his striking ability with a 20-yard cracker against Burnley on Saturday, Zola sees the Englishman as a different player to Lampard.

Speaking before Lampard's Derby take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, Zola was asked to compare the two players.

He said: "I thought Frank Lampard making the box was exceptional. The best midfielder I've ever seen having that quality, attacking the box, getting in the box in the right moment. That's why he scored so many goals.

"Ross likes to play more with the ball, to be involved in the action. What I've seen in the last two, three weeks is scoring ability is coming on very well. I knew from the beginning he had this ability.

"At first it wasn't showing, because he was very much involved in learning tactically what the team needs him to do. Now he's getting that freedom. I think there are some differences between him and Frank. Although there are similarities. Both of them have unbelievable potential."