Rudoni aims to emulate Lampard

Frank Lampard joined Coventry City in November 2024 and Jack Rudoni has been at the club since joining from Huddersfield in June 2024 [Getty Images]

Frank Lampard is to Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni what Jose Mourinho once was to him.

In 2004, Mourinho walked into the dressing room and told Lampard he was "the best player in the world", adding: "The only difference between Zidane and you is trophies."

Fast forward 22 years and Lampard is telling Rudoni he is "Champions League level" after the midfielder scored twice to see off Derby County a fortnight ago. Now the pair have sealed promotion to the Premier League after drawing 1-1 at Blackburn Rovers on Friday night.

Asked about Lampard's comments, Rudoni said: "For him to say that means a lot. I completely believe that I can play at these levels, but obviously I've not played them yet. Hearing the gaffer say something like that about me fills me with even more confidence."

Like Lampard at a similar age, Rudoni has developed into a goalscoring midfielder, capable of crashing the box. He has seven goals and five assists in 29 league matches this season, after recording 10 goals and 13 assists in the previous campaign.

"He's always helping me with little bits and pieces – the timing of runs, the areas to get into, even shooting techniques," Rudoni added. "We've spoken about all of that. I think he's the best goalscoring midfielder there's ever been, so who better to learn from?"

Alongside Lampard, Rudoni repeatedly highlights the influence of assistant coach Joe Edwards, who shows him clips of the areas he needs to arrive in to score – including footage of how Lampard himself mastered the role.

Coventry's number five should also be lauded for his resilience on the road to the Premier League. Released by Crystal Palace as a child, Rudoni went on loan at non-league Corinthian-Casuals and Tonbridge Angels before earning regular minutes at League One side AFC Wimbledon.