Frank Lampard: One of the best we will ever see

Frank Lampard

As a lifelong Chelsea fan, there was undoubtedly that feeling of sadness on reading about Frank Lampard’s imminent departure from the football club where he spent thirteen years. It seems like the end of an era, a generation; and the feeling is akin to losing a very close friend. Indeed, there is a void, as for most of us imagining Chelsea without Frank Lampard is unthinkable.

But of course, what one needs to be reminded of is that this guy has given Chelsea, and the game of football, amazing memories and he has revolutionized the way people think of the central midfielder. Never in football history have we seen a midfielder who has such a crazily prolific goal-scoring record and that comes down to brilliant finishing ability and also those perfectly timed runs into the exact pocket of space where the football pops up! Chelsea’s highest ever goal scorer, only player to score 10 or more goals in 10 consecutive seasons, and making 164 consecutive appearances are only few of the many records he holds. Amazing stamina, brilliant defensive tackling and playing the perfect pass for the striker just come naturally to him. He is truly a big game man- just look at his huge performances in all the cup finals he has played in.

What makes him stand out from the rest is not just the goals, but his remarkable consistency. Season after season he has produced goals, assists [the second highest ever in Premier League history], inspiring words to teammates and match-winning performances on a weekly basis. And a consistent average of about 20 goals a season, which even a world class striker would be proud of!] It is not just his football skills that make him special, but also his personality and character that he brings into the game. The innumerable penalties he has scored in extreme pressure situations are proof of this, especially scoring that emotional penalty in the Champions League semi of 2008: it’ll be hard to find someone with the nerve to step up on such an occasion and smash the ball in so coolly. Watching that penalty made me cry, it still does, to this day. Or look back to that occasion when he had to take his spot kick thrice at [not so friendly] West Ham, with the stadium screaming for his head: again, he was the epitome of holding one’s nerve.

Frank is the perfect gentleman both on and off the field; never has he made inflammatory comments in interviews and has even gone out of his ways to sort out misinterpretations and quarrels of teammates with opponents and the media. He has had his fair share of criticism too, sometimes too much of it, but he has let his football do the talking, both for Chelsea and England, with more than a hundred impeccable performances for The Three Lions. His commitment, passion and character have been a source of inspiration to many like me and have changed the way we look at our problems in life- truly a massive impact.

Frank Lampard has played some great games throughout his Chelsea career, scored great goals, and won everything there is to win, and not least of all the hearts of millions of football fans, where he will always have an important place. The only thing missing is the World Cup and I wouldn’t put it beyond him to win it this time finally for England. Whatever the outcome, I consider myself blessed to have been able to watch and follow this man through his Chelsea days, and the world of football will be extremely lucky to see another Frank Lampard!