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Being the same age as the manager is quite a feat for any player. But in this special case, it is not a feat of successful longevity. Frank Lampard is just 33 and now under the young prolific manager Andre Villas-Boas, is in the most precarious position of his career. Post a season of mediocrity, it is clear that Lamp’s has lost a few of his bullets from his artillery. Interesting to see is from where he resurrects his lost bullets as this season is bound to be very crucial for for his playing in top flight football in the future years.
The Case : Against
It is time to take up the stats which have so long favored Lampard and his faithfuls. With a mere 6 assists by a player who boasts the creative side of a team is poor by most standards. More so for a team challenging major European and League trophies. Much of last season was spent in getting the right balance for Lampard to shine. He struggled much when deployed in a four man midfield and lacked luster in the final third.He managed to cope with his positioning sense but has to offer more than a side pass to win the big midfield battles. With the likes of Josh Mceachran and Ramires coming up, his place is in quite a threat and further string of poor performances might see him face the boot under newbee Andre Villas-Boas, who has promised to inject flare in his team.
The Case : For
With age, most skill related attributes might decrease, but one thing that is ever increasing is the experience factor. Having been the fulcrum of the Chelsea midfield for a substantial number of years, it will be hard and with intense scrutiny if Villas-Boas is to axe Lampard from a spot in the starting. Essien’s injury might just work in Lampard’s favor to retain the crown of Chelasea midfield for another term. This season will not only determine his Chelsea career, but also his place for The Three Lions. His starting spot might come under even more threat if Chelsea are to sign Modric who has been heavily linked to The Blues. The bed is laid for Lampard as of now full of roses, but there are increasing number of thorns brewing up and soon might out number and replace the petals.
