Lampard says he is enjoying 'best season'

Mark Fleming
Tuesday 21 April 2009 00:00 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It is rare indeed that Peter Kenyon is proved right in his predictions concerning the future at Chelsea but events have born out his prophecy made last year that agreeing a five-year deal with Frank Lampard "could well turn out to be our best signing of the summer".

Lampard, 30, signed a £140,000 a week contract after Chelsea turned down a £10m bid from Jose Mourinho's Internazionale and he has responded by producing what he believes has been the finest form of his life. "I think it has been my best season," Lampard said. "Over the course of the season different things have cropped up, and as a group we've had some ups and downs but personally I'm very pleased with the way I've been playing.

"Hopefully my 30s can be my best years," he added. "I'm more experienced, more aware of how to play the game and how to manage myself in between games."

Lampard (left) has developed this season into a more complete player. Where once he would shoot on sight, now he is more concerned with doing whatever is most likely to lead to a goal. For instance, he scored twice in last week's Champions League 4-4 epic with Liverpool, and then provided two exquisite passes to set up both goals in Saturday's 2-1 win over Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final.

Lampard said: "I'm still scoring goals – I've got 19 and hope to get 20-odd again. But I'm getting more assists for sure. In the last few games the manager's given me license to play much nearer Didier Drogba, which gives me much opportunity to slip him and other people in and also get into the box myself. That's what I mean by experience. I'm pleased with the way I've assisted people. If you can make two assists like I did on Saturday you don't get the glory, but you get the win."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in