Frank Lampard – He’s One of a Kind

Chelsea’s Frank Lampard is clearly having the time of his life. New father. Sportswriters’ Footballer of the Year. Fans’ Player of the Year on the PFA website. England regular. Key player in the Champions’ midfield, where he’s made a record number of appearances. And, together with team mates John Terry and Claude Makelele, named in the first FIFPRO X1. No wonder Jose Mourinho, and several thousand others, regard him as pretty much indispensable.

Needless to say, the fans need no excuse to sing “There’s only one Frank Lampard” and on the face of it, there’s no disputing that. Except for one thing. There are times when Frank is curiously reminiscent of another, earlier, Chelsea hero – Ray Wilkins. More hair of course – but consider the similarities. The stocky build. That loping run, and the absence (regrettably) of electrifying pace. Lots of composure. Good vision. Genuine power. Wide range of distribution and high degree of accuracy. The ability to make and score goals (19 last season, including 13 in the Premiership). And a dedicated approach to the game that entirely justifies the term ‘model professional’.

Young Lampard is a top player alright, but frankly he’s a lot like Ray.