Frank Lampard

[Special Juan 28,141]

Does Frank Lampard fit into the team well at the moment? Is he a good fit in the double pivot?

Yes for me he does, he's a better passer of the ball than Ramires and is, and always has been, a constant goal threat.

[Mundaka 243]

Same (with mikel then), as long as he keeps his position

[The only place to be 11,313]

Yes for me he does, he's a better passer of the ball than Ramires and is, and always has been, a constant goal threat.

So you wouldn't want to spend money in the summer replacing him then?

I actually think most of our problems come from that midfield two, be it him, Ramires or Mikel. We need someone who can keep possession and allow the likes of Mata and Oscar to create stuff. He's not good enough defensively against the big teams either.

[Mundaka 243]

Well yeh, if we buy it should be an all-round midfielder or a left back in my opinion (that preferably can also play in centre)

But if lampard stays and you have KDB comming back (if they dont loan him out again) that should be covered no?

[Milan 17,956]

'I am not prepared to discuss this at this time.

'Obviously conversations must remain confidential between the club and the players at all times so that is as much as I can say.'

[Special Juan 28,141]

So you wouldn't want to spend money in the summer replacing him then?

I actually think most of our problems come from that midfield two, be it him, Ramires or Mikel. We need someone who can keep possession and allow the likes of Mata and Oscar to create stuff. He's not good enough defensively against the big teams either.

First of all I wouldn't have rid of him, simple as that. I'd rather see Ramires left out as he is a terribly limited footballer and whilst we are onto limited footballers then Mikel isn't too far away from that either. Mikel has the turning circle of a truck, people say he does the basics right....I should think so, but terribly limited IMO.

I'd keep Frank and replace Ramires if anything, seriously lacks in so many departments it's worrying.

[The only place to be 11,313]

First of all I wouldn't have rid of him, simple as that. I'd rather see Ramires left out as he is a terribly limited footballer and whilst we are onto limited footballers then Mikel isn't too far away from that either. Mikel has the turning circle of a truck, people say he does the basics right....I should think so, but terribly limited IMO.

I'd keep Frank and replace Ramires if anything, seriously lacks in so many departments it's worrying.

The problem with Lamps is that he costs a fair whack, he's in a position that we need to strengthen in because he really doesn't fit there and there are young players who deserve chance. So you have to ask is he worth the amount he'd cost coming off the bench when we need a goal? Does he offer enough off the pitch and in terms of leadership on the pitch? Games like QPR and Southampton suggest not as much as some might think.

I agree with you about Ramires and Mikel, but there in the same boat as Lamps for me. Good bench options but if we need to strengthen in the areas they currently play in, might we be better off cashing in now?

[Special Juan 28,141]

The problem with Lamps is that he costs a fair whack, he's in a position that we need to strengthen in because he really doesn't fit there and there are young players who deserve chance. So you have to ask is he worth the amount he'd cost coming off the bench when we need a goal? Does he offer enough off the pitch and in terms of leadership on the pitch? Games like QPR and Southampton suggest not as much as some might think.

I agree with you about Ramires and Mikel, but there in the same boat as Lamps for me. Good bench options but if we need to strengthen in the areas they currently play in, might we be better off cashing in now?

I also feel we always find it difficult to move away from one formation. It's constantly sticking with it and the same players, variation is a rarity. When Frank has played he has been shackled into this new so called 'Pivot' roll....Lampard should further up the field where he then becomes effective, not shackled because the formation says so.

Play to players strengths but do not shackle them for formation sake.

[Kinol 337]

I also feel we always find it difficult to move away from one formation. It's constantly sticking with it and the same players, variation is a rarity. When Frank has played he has been shackled into this new so called 'Pivot' roll....Lampard should further up the field where he then becomes effective, not shackled because the formation says so.

Play to players strengths but do not shackle them for formation sake.

How do you want us to play then?

Do you think we should replace Mata and Oscar in the number 10 role with Lampar??? Or do you want us to change our whole formation to a 4-3-3 formation just to make it suit Lampard?

[Special Juan 28,141]

How do you want us to play then?

Do you think we should replace Mata and Oscar in the number 10 role with Lampar??? Or do you want us to change our whole formation to a 4-3-3 formation just to make it suit Lampard?

I want us to play a formation where square pegs aren't in round holes. Like I have said this isn't just about Frank, it's about playing a formation to suit the strengths of players. We went to Boro last week and played two players holding in Ramires and Ake, why? Against Boro.....I'm sorry that is stupid and I honestly believe our lack of ambition against teams this season has been worrying, massively.

[JDY 1,290]

How do you want us to play then?

Do you think we should replace Mata and Oscar in the number 10 role with Lampar??? Or do you want us to change our whole formation to a 4-3-3 formation just to make it suit Lampard?

If that's what it takes then yes. Why not give Lampard even more power and ask for his approval before appointing managers? That way you know from the start if he will get the hump and contribute to more manager sackings.

In all seriousness, I'm fully behind the boards decision on this matter. Legend or not, no player is bigger than the club.

[NishC300 1,865]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-chelsea-confirm-lampard-talks-124016601.html

Ron Gourlay on Lampard contract extension

[Korea 734]

First of all I wouldn't have rid of him, simple as that. I'd rather see Ramires left out as he is a terribly limited footballer and whilst we are onto limited footballers then Mikel isn't too far away from that either. Mikel has the turning circle of a truck, people say he does the basics right....I should think so, but terribly limited IMO.

I'd keep Frank and replace Ramires if anything, seriously lacks in so many departments it's worrying.

I rather keep Rambo all day, any day moving forward (not saying I want him in my starting 11 though)...

He lacks in many departments, but Ramires is fast, unlimited stamina and probably has the best one on one striking on the team.

He gets in tackles (probably should have gotten more yellows) and he tracks well...

I also feel we always find it difficult to move away from one formation. It's constantly sticking with it and the same players, variation is a rarity. When Frank has played he has been shackled into this new so called 'Pivot' roll....Lampard should further up the field where he then becomes effective, not shackled because the formation says so.

Play to players strengths but do not shackle them for formation sake.

Doesn't matter what formation Lampard plays. He bombs forward most of the time.

[Santiago. 1,500]

I rather keep Rambo all day, any day moving forward (not saying I want him in my starting 11 though)...

He lacks in many departments, but Ramires is fast, unlimited stamina and probably has the best one on one striking on the team.

He gets in tackles (probably should have gotten more yellows) and he tracks well...

Doesn't matter what formation Lampard plays. He bombs forward most of the time.

As a proper box to box midfielder should. He is not meant for the double Pivot and never was.

[GodZola 630]

I also feel we always find it difficult to move away from one formation. It's constantly sticking with it and the same players, variation is a rarity. When Frank has played he has been shackled into this new so called 'Pivot' roll....Lampard should further up the field where he then becomes effective, not shackled because the formation says so.

Play to players strengths but do not shackle them for formation sake.

Good post, the formation or should I say the 'rigid' formation is something that has got my goat for too long, I keep saying we don't need to play a holding midfielder in the majority of our games, especially at home because sides mainly come to defend & 'park the bus' so why the hell do we need 5 at the back when most of the time those players aren't marking anyone? This brings in your point about shackling Frank & it was evident Saturday, his game is so much better suited to an attacking role - doing what he does best, I believe if he had those chances that Oscar had then we would not of been biting our nails at the end cus he wud of taken at least 1 & more than likely all 3.

As for Frank well my view is if he is not producing & his performances are not up to the required standards then I would agree with the clubs stance in respect in letting him go, however he is still scoring - he won us the Everton game on his own, his fitness levels show no sign of ageing, we just need to use him like Fergie does with Giggs & give him a more offensive role when he plays. I suppose proof will be in the pudding next season if he goes to another Prem club......

As for a replacement, its difficult to replace a legend & a player of Frank's ability - such an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time, however Kevin de Bruyen looks the player to me, scoring goals from midfield, has 2 good feet, quick & has energy. He is performing consistently in a top league too so you have to take notice of it, keeping Frank for his experience alone can aid young players like this & provide them with a steady progression.