I have always been a big fan of Frank but I do think we need to realise that he is coming to the end of his powers. It has been plain to see that we were missing two things last season 1) Pace in attack 2) someone to pick the right killer pass Lamps has certainly provided many assists in the past but at 33 he is clearly coming to the end of his career and injuries are catching up with him meaning he is missing more games and finding it harder to get into those goal scoring positions (very much like Paul Scholes found over the last 3 or 4 seasons). If we get a 'playmaker' (whoever that may be is a seperate discussion) then there will not be room for him and Lamps in the same midfield So, whilst we will all thank Frank for what he has done for us over the last 8 seasons or so, I do think it is time to get someone else into our central midfield to help us move forward. KTBFFH
I'm not happy to write Frank off yet. He was brilliant in the double season but had injuries last year which held him back. I agree we need someone to dictate play a little bit more in the middle and the closest example is when Liverpool had Alonso and Gerrard. He have our Gerrard (which is better?!?! - no lets not start that again!!) but we need an Alonso type. I imagine Josh will be groomed for this role in the long term but probably too early for him now hence the Modric links. Frank is still a massive threat in the final 3rd. Premierships greatest ever goal scoring midfielder.
I just think he may now be better suited to coming off the bench and making those late runs into the box in the last 20 minutes or so when the opposition defence is tired. Re the Gerrard & Alonso comparison I can see where you are coming from but in my opinion the last few months have shown that Gerrard is probably more a hinderance to Liverpool than a help - they certainly appear to have played a lot better without him being the centre of attention last season - and maybe that is what we need with Lampard as we do seem to try and play everything through him in midfield which is fine when we are in advanced positions but he has been working hard in the 3 to help defend so, when we win the ball, we seem to slow down to much to allow him and the rest of the midfield catch up with play again to help in attack. Whilst he can still get up and down I dont think he is as effective at it now for a full 90 minutes
If we could get him to negotiate a lower value contract and use him in a more tactical fashion to prolong his career I would be chuffed to bits, but that is very unlikely. Giggs is a great example of this for Utd, in terms of his usage and contribution to the team. He's a Chelsea legend and I struggle with the thought of him not being at the club, but for £150k a week you'd want more than 25-30 games a season
AVB will bring the very best back out of Frank again I see no reason why not - especially if he has an injury free season - he doesn't need to play every game or even 90 minutes each week Will still be a major part of the team this term - bet on it
Yep couldn't agree more. He needs to be used a bit less but is still a good player and great finisher. The best goalscoring midfielder in history of the prem.
