Frank Lampard

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

I like Lampard but he does go forward a lot and obviously doesn't have the stamina to get back when we lose the ball, which is a problem.

Not saying Meireles is the solution, but we have to try different options in the double pivot.

I don't think Lampard should be playing every game, but I think the problem is way way overstated. A few points

1) Lampard's overall positioning in games is exactly where it should be. He makes runs but the deep lying midfielder is supposed to make some runs. He probably make a couple too many a game but his position is not primarily a defensive position. His average position is a few feet in front and to the left of Mikel which is where it should be.

2) He could be more disciplined, but he's still our best bet in the position. Meireles was poor all last season.

3) He played very well in that exact position last season. The midfield 2 was never a problem under RDM last season. Looking mediocre in an exhibition game doesn't negate 20-something positive games.

4) There is a domino effect here. Because Mata and Hazard both like playing up the middle, Mata is actually dropping way back to close to Lampard's position to get the ball. Lampard then staying in the same position as Mata is pointless which leads him to making runs. If you look at the positioning of our midfielders in the Wigan and Reading games, our midfield was bunched up the middle. Spacing and defining roles is our biggest early issue.

5) We're 3-0 in the league. Hardly time to make wholesale changes anyway.

[Sheva. 5,373]

I don't think Lampard should be playing every game, but I think the problem is way way overstated. A few points

1) Lampard's overall positioning in games is exactly where it should be. He makes runs but the deep lying midfielder is supposed to make some runs. He probably make a couple too many a game but his position is not primarily a defensive position. His average position is a few feet in front and to the left of Mikel which is where it should be.

2) He could be more disciplined, but he's still our best bet in the position. Meireles was poor all last season.

3) He played very well in that exact position last season. The midfield 2 was never a problem under RDM last season. Looking mediocre in an exhibition game doesn't negate 20-something positive games.

4) There is a domino effect here. Because Mata and Hazard both like playing up the middle, Mata is actually dropping way back to close to Lampard's position to get the ball. Lampard then staying in the same position as Mata is pointless which leads him to making runs. If you look at the positioning of our midfielders in the Wigan and Reading games, our midfield was bunched up the middle. Spacing and defining roles is our biggest early issue.

5) We're 3-0 in the league. Hardly time to make wholesale changes anyway.

There's no problem with a Lampard-Mikel midfield in games against the likes of Reading, but against better sides i don't think it works.

I know it's very tempting to point out last season, but we were playing differently, we sat back and waited for teams to make mistakes, instead of looking to grab the initiative.

Now we have the ball more, and when Lampard makes that run into the box and we lose the ball in that sequence it causes a lot of problems because Mikel is the only one back covering the defenders.

I would really prefer if we play 2 outright defensive midfielders in big games.

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

I know it's very tempting to point out last season, but we were playing differently, we sat back and waited for teams to make mistakes, instead of looking to grab the initiative.

Now we have the ball more, and when Lampard makes that run into the box and we lose the ball in that sequence it causes a lot of problems because Mikel is the only one back covering the defenders.

I would really prefer if we play 2 outright defensive midfielders in big games.

Nobody plays with two outright defensive midfielders. It's way too defensive a system and means you can't move the ball to your forwards well enough to generate an attack either. Lampard really shouldn't be covering for our defenders all that much. We are not playing a 4-3-3 with our backs bombing down the wings where our defensive midfielder need to cover the gaps. Our width should be coming from the attacking 3 midfielders meaning that Lampard should be 6th line of defence. Again, we need to work on positioning. Our defenders (especially Luiz and Ivanovic) need to be more disciplined in this new system.

Look at the discussion we're having. Luiz had a shocker of a game (Even the goal where Ramires made a mess of it, look at the replay, where exactly is Luiz? Lampard is back before him.) ..no matter what, the blame wheel always comes back to Lampard. If we don't score, it's his fault. If we give up goals, it's his fault. If we play well, it has nothing to do with him. People need scapegoats and unfortunately, this year it's going to be the greatest player in Chelsea history that serves the role.

[Heisenberg 1,824]

Lampard is not the problem , the defence was very very poor , Lampard need a bit more agressive , wait and see , for me he'll be again very good this season , Lampard is always fantastic when the winter comes ! January he'll be our best player.

[wilander 35]

Lampard is not the problem , the defence was very very poor , Lampard need a bit more agressive , wait and see , for me he'll be again very good this season , Lampard is always fantastic when the winter comes ! January he'll be our best player.

Lampard is a Legend, but he should not be a starter!

He is not part of Abramovich so-called beautiful football!

[Despiadado.Maleante 1,046]

fat lampard f off

[Muzchap 8,966]

fat lampard f off

Dude that's outrageous!!!!

He's a brilliant player, just his legs have gone!

He's not fat either

Ok, he didn't have a gret game, but the Manager selected him, what's he supposed to say? No - I don't wanna play?

Fault lies with RDM - NOT Lampard!

[wilander 35]

RDM's fault is NOT Dare to make Lampard on bench!

[Muzchap 8,966]

I think we are agreeing RDM fault?

[Jase 43,479]

I think we are agreeing RDM fault?

You could say but not entirely. Lampard is at fault too as he has responsiblities in that starting XI to make sure the team is stable and solid in midfield.

[Muzchap 8,966]

You could say but not entirely. Lampard is at fault too as he has responsiblities in that starting XI to make sure the team is stable and solid in midfield.

But the manager is picking him. A player is never going to admit they are no longer good enough to perform?

Seriously, it's a tough job, but that's what RDM needs to tell Lampard....

[HRiver 1,512]

RDM got his tactics completely wrong, the defense was absolutely disgraceful, and it's Lampard who yet again is the scapegoat. Surprise surprise

Drogba was the man who'd score when we mostly needed a goal, and after him Lampard was always there to save our ass. I think that the fans are forgetting that this can't last forever. He can no longer be the hero when 10 other men are playing shit.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

How long are people going to keep defending Frank? Deluded fools. This is why Ferguson is so great. He is like a machine. Doesn't let sentimentality get in the way of acknowledging when a player is past it. Lampard doesn't deserve to be in the starting 11 any more. Call me 'plastic' all you want but we all know that's just a coping mechanism from many of you in denial about Frank's situation.

[OneMoSalah 8,885]

PLEASE ROBBIE, FUCKING PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T PLAY LAMPS IN THE DOUBLE PIVOT ANYMORE............. PLEASE...........

[nadavTKL 1,787]

This is why Ferguson is so great. He is like a machine. Doesn't let sentimentality get in the way of acknowledging when a player is past it.

Thats why he's still relying on 'back from retirement' Paul Scholes to save his midfield game and dont buy a new CM that he need so much?