In my post after the Wolves game, I noted how much more pace we appeared to have when we rest 2 of our 4 or 5 more senior players. Have to say I feel the same thing after watching Valencia. We were quick and very direct, not something we always do. Conclusion is that we perform better WITHOUT all our experienced players in the starting line up, i.e. from Terry, Lampard, Malouda , Cole, Boswinga, Ferreira, Anelka, Drogba ( who has certainly ramped up the last week or two ) With one or two in the team we're fine, but with all of them we're less effective and slower than playing with a couple of youngsters. Romeo and Sturidge for instance. Also thought that David Luiz and John Terry look much more composed when the midfield is quicker in attack, and Brana seems more attack minded as well. Thought all 3 plus Cole looked heaps better against Valencia. Thoughts ?? So here's the issue. Lamps was out for Wolves and Valencia, and in my opinion, we looked yards faster all over the field. As one of his biggest ever fans, I am really concerned at his dip in form. So what do you think ?? Is it just a dip, or is the the start of a slow but steady decline ??? How should we use him now ??
Have to say that you've nailed it there mate! I love the bloke but Lampard should be employed like Scholes was at Utd, if he doesn't like it then tough tits I don't see Ryan Giggs complaining about his lack of first team opportunities at Utd and he is the most decorated player in the histroy of the English game.
Its easy to forget sometimes,how some of our legends are aging! Drogs,JT, Lamps , Ashley,to name but a few! They still have something to offer, but understandably can run around like 2 year olds anymore. Using them selectively, like Saffa used Giggs and Scholes must be the way forward, while ensuring our youthful talent is melded into the side in the right way!
Agreed. It is clear you can't under estimate the effect senior players have such as Terry and Drogba in our last couple of games. Led by example and played with power and experience. But like you say, it is also imperative that the team contains young players who are quick and eager to prove themselves. I think for large parts of the last 2 seasons we've had too many players playing inconsistently and without the motivation they perhaps previously had. Having the likes of Mata, Sturridge etc instead of say Malouda and Anelka has transformed us going forward without a doubt. There will always be a place for Lampard in or around the first team but he can't be assured of a start every game that's for sure.
I've been leaning more and more towards this as the season has progressed. I don't want to see him shoved out, but if he can't accept a smaller role it may be necessary for the good of the overall squad.
