Why is Lampard still a given card?

[dodojojo 510]

Holding midfielder is his best bet to staying relevant to the starting XI. The issue is that Lampard has himself said that he wouldn't give up his runs up the field. That pretty much defeats the purpose of a holding midfielder. Especially for one like Lampard, who no longer has the pace to get back to position quickly.

Winter is right, the Chelsea holding midfielder role is crying out for someone to excel. If Lampard can do it, that would be a great boon to Chelsea's title challenge. I'm not a Lampard detractor just for the hell of it but I do resent that Meireles is obviously being played further back to accommodate Lampard. Meireles will be far more helpful if he's pushed further forward. Or if played in a 4-2-3-1, he would be the more offensive midfielder in the 2.

[steve5221 91]

Holding midfielder is his best bet to staying relevant to the starting XI. The issue is that Lampard has himself said that he wouldn't give up his runs up the field. That pretty much defeats the purpose of a holding midfielder. Especially for one like Lampard, who no longer has the pace to get back to position quickly.

Winter is right, the Chelsea holding midfielder role is crying out for someone to excel. If Lampard can do it, that would be a great boon to Chelsea's title challenge. I'm not a Lampard detractor just for the hell of it but I do resent that Meireles is obviously being played further back to accommodate Lampard. Meireles will be far more helpful if he's pushed further forward. Or if played in a 4-2-3-1, he would be the more offensive midfielder in the 2.

I think AVB has realised this now and Mierlies has to play further forward. He footballing brain is to quick to be playing that deep, he is far more effective in the final third (as was proved at Liverpool).

If lampard is not prepared to play this role we should look to offload him in January(100% sure Redknapp would want him). Ruthless and cruel maybe, but the fact remains that he is a passenger in the team now. The other reason is his huge wage, that is hurting us with the new financial rules...Mata and Mierlies combined do not earn as much as Lampard if reports are true...

[strong centreback 157]

Im of the belief that frank should this form he has been in for the last 6 months continue then it would be in the teams best interests if he played less, as second half of the utd game we looked more fluid (until mikel came on) but I think super frank still has a part to play for the club even if it is a smaller part than he is used to, but he has earnt the right to be given more time before he can be judged as on the tail end of his career.

[Kostas 1,468]

Lampard holding could only work if he had one "destroyer" next to him, meaning only in a 4-2-x-x.

[Melanicus 5,208]

The day when Frank, John or Drogba retires will be one of the saddest in my life.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I think I'll probably cry when we see those three, plus Cech, play their last Chelsea game.

[manpe 10,861]

I think I'll probably cry when we see those three, plus Cech, play their last Chelsea game.

same here

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Lampard holding could only work if he had one "destroyer" next to him, meaning only in a 4-2-x-x.

4-2-3-1, like the formation we have played in recent games?

[MetsajCFC 1,255]

I think I'll probably cry when we see those three, plus Cech, play their last Chelsea game.

Cech has (hopefully!) many years ahead of him but as for Lampard.. I think he is still very good for us but not a 100% starter in my eyes anymore. Him having a Scholes/Giggs role is the best option.. he can rest and give his very best every other game

[Kez 2,727]

because form is temporary, class is permanent.

[eldo 868]

Because.

[Rambo 1,729]

I think I'll probably cry when we see those three, plus Cech and Ash, play their last Chelsea game.

[Milan 17,956]

Because he's fat and needs to lose some weight, obviously.

[Krypt 241]

Cant see Frank ever being great in the holding role as his defending is a bit suspect at time. Frank is best at what he does standing back and arriving it late to the penalty box and scoring goals. when he stops doing that i think he will retire. I still think he can have a limited role in the squad over the next couple of years his not finished yet.