Frank Lampard

[super_frank8 186]

In the first half we had the players who could press, Cleverly and Wilshere, while having Gerrard drop deep, when Lampard came on we had to play deep because he doesn't have the stamina to press for 45 mins non stop.

Secondly Neymar wasn't pressing, he was mostly on the wing letting Johnson fly up and down., he hardly touched the ball. Oscar was pressing but that's what he did in the first half, he was class in that game. The goal Brazil scored was because Cahill ran into trouble, when he first received the ball he was in a comfortable position but then he got too overconfident and suffered the consequences.

Neymar was poor, so to say he did well is beyond belief. I know you say it's just a friendly, but mate i've watched when Lampard plays for us (England) this year, we are miles better when we have Cleverly and Wilshere playing. simple.

As i said, Lampard scored a great goal but overall he was average and with him and Gerrard in the team it makes us go too defensive. Lampard hate you say? i love him as a player, i'm just being realistic, for ENGLAND (not Chelsea) he shouldn't start.

Haha Milner? seriously... Cleverly is a smart player, he's good with the ball and has a good engine, Wilshere's obviously better but Cleverly is a talent.

I honestly think most England fans would agree, i'm not hating, it's just time for England to move on, we have younger players to come in and offer something different.

Well I'm not going to bother arguing semantics over the tactics - but the fact is that England played with what was essentially a 4-3-3 for most of the first half & obviously wanted to employ that pressing game due to Brazil's physical frailty in the midfield in order to disrupt & prevent them from playing their usual possession game - & due to coming into the break leading by a goal, switched to a 4-2-3-1 so they could absorb the inevitable pressure that Brazil were going to exude being a one down & chasing the game. That is why Lampard & Gerrard were both in deeper positions with Wilshere just ahead of them.

As for Neymar, he wasn't amazing, I made that quite clear - considering the hype he was an obvious disappointment. However, I don't actually rate him among those upper echelons of the game just yet as he is yet to show his quality where it matters on the big stage in Europe - so in my objective opinion, I thought he had a decent game since he was at least trying to make things happen & worked hard to make space for himself; he had plenty of the ball contrary to your claims.

& yes, he was putting Johnson under pressure at times during the second half, most distinctly in the build up to Cahill's mistake. I didn't say he was tracking back with Johnson, because I don't think he did that once. But when Johnson had the ball around his own area, Neymar made sure he was always blocking the direct path in front of him.

But back to Lampard - when exactly have you seen him play in an England shirt this year prior to last night? Pretty certain this was the first fixture of the year for the national side...

& if you're referring to since after the Euros, then you might want to consider the fact that he scored 3 goals in two games, thereafter being out injured until Christmas - so this has been his first England game in four months. You also have to consider the fact that the opposition up until the Poland & Sweden matches was meagre & mediocre at very best - & against Sweden, England were arguably missing Lampard rather dearly considering how average Cleverely was. Admittedly, he's had two exceptional games prior to that - but they were against Moldova & San Marino - nations that aren't exactly renowned for their footballing prowess. & last night, he really wasn't anything special from what I saw.

If you think Cleverely deserves a place in the team ahead of Milner, that's understandable & depending on the game I would imagine most England fans would agree. But the fact is that if you think he should be picked ahead of both Carrick & Lampard - you're fucking delusional. Maybe I'm biased since I love Lampard & think Cleverely is massively overrated & over-hyped - but even the most die-hard Manure fans wouldn't bother attempting to disagree with that.

I didn't say he doesn't have potential, but he is simply nowhere near Wilshere, Gerrard or Lampard in terms of ability at this moment in time. He may just improve rapidly & exponentially & may even achieve & possess something similar to the capabilities of that trio one day, but he's got a hell of a long way to go before that happens - & I highly doubt he's going to be ready to step up to that level in time for the World Cup next year.

In any case, if the rumours hold any inkling of truth, as most of us hope with all our hearts that they do - then you're just going to have to deal with Lamps at this club & in the England side until he is no longer the first class player that he always has been & still remains to this very day.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

might wanna look at what happened to all their other decent players lol

Yup but he is english and die hard Arsenal fan...bit different than Rvp, Cesc or even Cole. He will leave only if he will want trophies...

[J.F. 1,484]

Legend, best Chelsea player ever, would still pick him over Xavi,Iniesta,Ronaldo,Messi etc..

Please Abramovich be smart and give him new contract, please,please,please!!!!

[JDY 1,290]

Classic media ploy, will only attract more hate once the situation is put to bed again

Ian McGarry ‏@garbosj

Once again lots of rumours that #CFC have offered Frank #Lamparda new contract. There have been no talks and no offer. Situation the same.

[Milan 17,956]

[Jase 43,479]

Classic media ploy, will only attract more hate once the situation is put to bed again

Ian McGarry ‏@garbosj

Once again lots of rumours that #CFC have offered Frank #Lamparda new contract. There have been no talks and no offer. Situation the same.

Ian McGarry is probably one of the last, if not THE LAST, person that should be trusted from the media.

Wasn't there a news earlier on Sky earlier stating that the club refuse to comment on this situation? If there is nothing new on this contract situation, then why didn't the club just state the truth?!

[JDY 1,290]

Wasn't there a news earlier on Sky earlier stating that the club refuse to comment on this situation? If there is nothing new on this contract situation, then why didn't the club just state the truth?!

They should, or if Frank knows the club won't offer him a new deal he should come out and say he will be leaving. Would put the whole situation to bed.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Gonna offer him a new contract?!

Make it happen, Roman!!

Errr, weren't you like against the idea of keeping Lampard at the club previously??

I think he has a place in the squad but not in the first team week-in and week-out. Josh simply doesn't look ready to come in next season and Frank still offers a lot coming off the bench when we're chasing games. I still have a couple of reservations on how he'd work with a new coach but if that is someone like Mourinho then there shouldn't be any problems.

With regards the actual story, the fact that it's Neil Ashton saying it does mean something.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

In the past few years Drogba was always hailed as the ultimate big-match player that he undoubtedly was, but it has somewhat slipped under the radar how often Frank scores in some huge matches. Last night's goal got me thinking about how many times Frank has scored the winner in important matches for us..

On his contract renewal, sentimentally I want him to stay, but logically, I am honestly okay with him either leaving or staying. I can see the reason behind both, tbh.

[Beirut_Blues 306]

In the past few years Drogba was always hailed as the ultimate big-match player that he undoubtedly was, but it has somewhat slipped under the radar how often Frank scores in some huge matches. Last night's goal got me thinking about how many times Frank has scored the winner in important matches for us..

On his contract renewal, sentimentally I want him to stay, but logically, I am honestly okay with him either leaving or staying. I can see the reason behind both, tbh.

Spot on.

But I'd like to see a player of legendary status retire with us. This policy of dumping experienced players for new ones with the aim of instant success is not perfect.

Especially when our legendary players move on and other clubs benefit from them, and we're out of the Champions League, for example.

I hope Roman dumps his stupid advisers asap.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Spot on.

But I'd like to see a player of legendary status retire with us. This policy of dumping experienced players for new ones with the aim of instant success is not perfect.

Especially when our legendary players move on and other clubs benefit from them, and we're out of the Champions League, for example.

I hope Roman dumps his stupid advisers asap.

I tend to agree, we are sorely missing experience at times, but I really doubt Frank will have a MAJOR role next season if he stays.

[Beirut_Blues 306]

I tend to agree, we are sorely missing experience at times, but I really doubt Frank will have a MAJOR role next season if he stays.

It's fair to say his role this season is hardly "major".... But players of his calibre make the difference when really needed and least expected.

Drogba last season had a minor role compared to his usual seasons, but his performances had a major impact in qualifying for the knock-outs of the CL and eventually winning it.

Expect Lamps' performances this season (no matter how minor his role is) to make sure we finish top 3. England yesterday was just an example, and as Rooney admitted he's been doing this throughout his career.

You're right, we might not sacrifice too much if he leaves, but can you tell me we can't do with Drogba this season, for example? His experience will always be useful in one way or another.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Ian McGarry is probably one of the last, if not THE LAST, person that should be trusted from the media.

Wasn't there a news earlier on Sky earlier stating that the club refuse to comment on this situation? If there is nothing new on this contract situation, then why didn't the club just state the truth?!

He and Lampard are actually good mates. He helped write his biography so he may have good connections on the contract situation.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Is this club bowing to fan pressure? I highly doubt it. Are they saving face in the media? Don't think so.

So what's the reasoning? I honestly haven't an idea. I see the rationale behind it, his goal scoring form has been very impressive this season, but has that been the sole reason for this? There's a lot of questions to this apparent "u-turn", but I'll wait to see confirmation before I begin to understand that. So far it seems just hearsay.

[coolhead23 1,147]

In the past few years Drogba was always hailed as the ultimate big-match player that he undoubtedly was, but it has somewhat slipped under the radar how often Frank scores in some huge matches. Last night's goal got me thinking about how many times Frank has scored the winner in important matches for us..

On his contract renewal, sentimentally I want him to stay, but logically, I am honestly okay with him either leaving or staying. I can see the reason behind both, tbh.

Completely agree on it .. like some said "Spot On" ...

At 34 he is still a handy player if used well and his experience is vast but i believe there is more emotional values linked with his extension than anything else.

My only worry or concern if Lampard doesnt get an extension is that he could very well end up at United which would be the biggest slap on our faces.