Frank Lampard says his experienced players deserve credit for Chelsea's season.
Much has been made of the club's highly talented youngsters helping the Blues push for a top-four spot.
But Lampard says a blend of youth and experience has helped his team achieve success.
'The younger players that have come through is always a good story for the media, and for the club, but you need the balance of the group," said the club's website.
"It is always going to be important for the experienced players to play a big part. I felt that at the beginning of the season.
"Everyone says I played the younger players because I had to play them, it wasn't true. The younger players played when they had done well enough to keep themselves in the team and really contribute.
"As the season goes on, if it goes the other way I will pick the team I see as best. That's when you rely on experienced players. They need to help each other.
"The experienced players need to help the young players at difficult moments, and the young players need to realise there are levels to kick on and improve, whether that's in matchplay or how they work during the week."