Frank Lampard’s performance in the Europa League finals against Benfica is worthy of high praise and admiration. The 34 year young Chelsea midfielder showed that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level – which he had been shouting out loud through his performances of late.
Chelsea football club’s attitude towards his future is a bit shocking given the amount of service Lampard has done to the club. He is also the leading goal scorer in Chelsea’s history and he merits more respect and gratitude than is currently meted out by the club. Lampard, a thorough professional and a humble player, has unsurprisingly never criticized his club for their indifference in making a decision regarding his contract, and he has quietly gone about his business and let his actions on the pitch do the talking. His long range shots on the goal yesterday were a treat to the eyes and it was unfortunate they didn't find the back of the net.
As reports of the agreement of a one-year deal between the club and the player continue to emerge, it is both comforting as well as disturbing to hear them. Chelsea seem to be playing their pieces carefully with Lampard and while they will no doubt be on the safe side with only the one-year deal, they clearly are more focused on bringing in young and exciting talent to Stamford Bridge to play alongside the likes of Luiz and Hazard and Oscar. It would be great to watch Lampard play in the EPL and put his younger generation to shame for one more year if he doesn't get to stay beyond the next season with the club.
Lampard is undoubtedly the most famous player among the Chelsea faithful and still has a few more years of top flight football in him. With another year almost guaranteed at Stamford Bridge, it will be interesting to see how the future will pan out if Lampard continues to shines for the club and repeats performances like yesterday. Will Chelsea again eke out a single year deal or say their good byes to the player who has personified their spirit during the last decade? Or will Lampard voluntarily move away to other leagues like the MLS or Ligue 1 where he would be welcomed with open arms?
In my book, Lampard will always be one of the greatest midfielders of his generation who deserves more than what he was afforded by a club which doesn't seem to revere his presence as much as it needs to.
Source: DSG
