Frank Lampard: The Chelsea story

“Lampard has done it again”, “Lampard has steered Chelsea back into the game” – these are phrases that have continued to echo throughout the last decade across millions of TV sets and stadiums around the world. While the opposing fans shed a look of envious admiration, the Chelsea fans relentlessly chant ‘super Frankie Lampard’ like there’s no tomorrow.

When Lampard joined Chelsea in 2001 from his boyhood club West Ham, nobody had imagined that he would go on to become such a stalwart. He would be always giving his hundred per cent, never feeling despondent or for that matter, in doubt of his abilities.

Critics were sceptical of Claudio Ranieri’s decision to spend 11 million on a 22 year old. 13 years later, it looks like a measly price for a player argued to be one of the best of his generation. A young, determined Lampard ingrained himself in the Chelsea starting line-up quickly, appearing in more than 50 games in his first season itself.

Chelsea managed to qualify for the Champions Leauge, finishing fourth in Lampard’s second season at the club. In the next season, Lampard scored 10 goals in the league for the first time in his career. ‘Fat Frank’, as usually mocked by opposing fans, he looked like developing into something special; always ready for a challenge and striking fear through goalkeeper’s hearts every time he geared up for a shot.

The Blues were bought by Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2003, marking the beginning of new era in their history. More funds meant more talent for Claudio Ranieri. A diligent Lampard never lost his midfield spot even after the influx of new talent at the club. He had simply made the attacking midfield role his own.

Claudio Ranieri was fired in the summer of 2003. And Jose Mourinho was presented with the opportunity to be at the helm of Abramovich’s new prized possession. Mourinho believed Lampard to be an impeccable professional; a quality he has maintained throughout his career.

2004-05 was the season where Lampard started looking like a finished product. He also won the award for player of the season. His goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League highlighted all his qualities.

Makelele picked out Lampard with a lob pass from the midfield. He controlled the ball with his chest and twirled around like a songbird – as the ball hit the ground and bounced, Lampard volleyed it with his left foot, striking it past an awestruck Oliver Kahn. That was the season when Lampard first tasted the scent of major trophies, winning both the Premier League and the League Cup.

Composure and calmness in the opposing box is a skill that comes naturally, but what others fail to recognize is that it needs mastering. Lampard has achieved that and shows it time and time again. Lampard’s positioning in the box is second to none, like a lion hiding in the savannah, waiting to pounce on his prey at the right moment.

But Lampard was not yet satisfied. His quench for greatness continued in the 2005-06 season. Not only was he the top scorer for a title winning Chelsea side, he was also crowned the best player in England, and second in the world. His ability to pick out key passes for forwards while regularly contributing to the score sheet made him indispensable for Chelsea.

By now, Lampard had established himself as one of the best set-piece takers in the world. Be it a free kick or a penalty, Lampard was the name on everyone’s lips. Chelsea winning a penalty at that time was as good as them scoring. A confident Lampard would step up, look at the keeper then at the ball. He would then jog in a frantic fashion towards the ball and slot it home with finesse.

2006-07 was the season when Lampard endeared himself to the Chelsea fans. Many goals are scored every season, but only some goals make you sit back and admire a footballer’s imagination and intelligence. Victor Valdes and Barcelona were at the receiving end when Lampard produced a beauty.

After latching onto a cross into the box by Makelele, an ambitious Lampard with his back to the goal, turned and chipped the ball from just beside the goal line, 15 yards from goal. The ball swerved 360 degrees – over the head of Valdes and straight into the side netting of the far post. I would like to quote the flabbergasted commentator here, “How on earth did he find the target from there, but he did!”

He also assisted the winning goal in the F.A. Cup which was scored by Didier Drogba; a partnership that would go on to wreck defences for many more years to come. In the post-match interview following the victory, Lampard said that he wanted “to stay at the club forever.”

Season 2007-08 began on a harsher note as he struggled with a few niggling injuries. But thanks to Lampard’s undying spirit, he still managed to score 20 or more goals for the 3rd consecutive season. It was a season full of highs and lows. After he scored his 100th goal for Chelsea, he revealed an undershirt that said “100 Not Out, They Are All For You, Thanks”. That was enough to make any Chelsea fan’s eyes water.

For the first time in his career, a very prolific Lampard scored 4 goals in the demolition of Derby County. In the April of 2008, Lampard’s mother passed away. A week later, a teary-eyed Lampard scored the penalty that drove Chelsea to their first ever Champions League Final. His sheer determination and love for Chelsea was for everyone to see. Chelsea’s midfield maestro also went on to win the UEFA club midfielder of the year award.

Chelsea won the F.A. cup in 2008-09 as Lampard kept on providing key passes and goals from the midfield. He had already gained a reputation for scoring majestic goals from time to time. And he justified his reputation yet again with a wonderful chip from the edge of the box against Hull City, with his weaker left foot. The ball swerved and curled as if it was stuck in a whirlpool finally ending up in the net. The then Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari exclaimed, “It is the best goal I’ve ever seen.”

Then 2009-10 arrived. Now, how often does one see a midfielder score 20 goals in a single season in the Premier League? The fact is, not many. But for some players, expectations are meant to be exceeded. Lampard was in sublime form through the season, scoring left, right and centre.

He finished with a career high 22 goals in the league and 27 in all competitions. It was the 5th consecutive season Lampard had scored more than 20 goals in one season; a feat yet to be repeated by any midfielder plying his trade in the premier league. That included the amazing feat of scoring 4 goals in one match for the second time in the Premier League. All this was enough for Chelsea to land their 3rd premier league title and an F.A. Cup double.

Lampard’s next season was blighted by injury as he was out for 4 months. He still managed to score a respectable 13 times in 32 games as Chelsea failed to win a trophy. This highlighted his importance to the Blues. When Lampard was not on the field for the Londoners consistently, things didn’t tend to go their way.

At this point of time, Lampard had turned into more of an inspiration for the Blues then simply a player; driving them forward and uniting them as one. His importance on and off the field was immense. There was a certain vibe to the way Chelsea played when Lampard was present in the midfield; looking more solid and confident on the ball.

2011- 12, the season where Lampard finally lifted the only major club trophy that eluded him, the Champions League. They also triumphed in the FA Cup, winning it for the fourth time in their history. Terry, Drogba and Lampard acted as father figures, inspiring a club in turmoil to the highest peak and conquering it. The tears of joy flowing from the legend’s face signified gratitude for the fans. When rumours of Lampard being replaced and sold were constantly doing the rounds, the fans supported their ageing hero vehemently. Lampard, now 33, scored a respectable 16 goals in the season.

And, here we are today. As fans keep seething in anger over the fact that Lampard hasn’t been presented with a new deal, the man still comes out and gives it his all. His hunger to start and make an impact in the game hasn’t mitigated one bit. Even though Lampard has been used in a deeper, more defensive role this season, he has still managed to score an impressive 12 goals in 19 appearances.

Chelsea’s 3 time player of the year simply loves his club. Count every drop of sweat Lampard has shed for Chelsea throughout the years and you would know it to be true.

Lampard is simply thriving under pressure the media is trying to hammer him. Whenever Lampard scores, he glances at the fans with reverence in his eyes while slyly chuckling at the media, for he knows, all the criticism and scrutiny makes him only stronger. They keep asking questions, and he keeps scoring.