Frank Lampard: The Consummate Professional

If anyone needed a reminder of his capabilities Frank Lampard gave them reason to pause on Wednesday.  Brought in at the half for his 94^th appearance for England, Lampard delivered to bring England ahead 2-1 against a dangerous Brazilian side.  The contribution provided a win for his national side but pressure upon his club as well, where his future remains uncertain.  Yet, why this uncertainty? 
 
Frank Lampard, at 34 years of age, will see his current contract with Chelsea Football Club expire this summer.  The club, until recently, has publically announced that no new contract would be offered, Chelsea’s board of directors pointing to his age as the reason for their concern.  With an expiring contract, the prospect of signing of a quality scoring midfielder has brought clubs such as LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-German into the fray.  These clubs having no issue with an ‘aging’ Lampard are clearing interested in some different numbers. On February 2, 2013, the midfielder placed his own name into the Premier League history books.  In a losing effort, Lampard placed home his 10^th league goal of the season, giving him a Premier League record for most consecutive seasons in scoring at least 10 goals.  Lampard’s goal also added to his Chelsea career totals, giving him 197 goals for the club.  Bobby Tambling with 202 Chelsea goals still currently holds that top spot, only five away from a charging Lampard. 
 
While Lampard’s statistics highlight his consistency for his club even into his thirties.  It has been his work as a consummate professional that should be rewarded.  He has carried himself with a level of professionalism that has, unfortunately, become an exception in the world of sport.  Providing goals and championships to the club is one thing, but a measurement cannot be made on the positive impact he has had on the younger players around him.
 
Today there are signs that Chelsea has taken a second-look at their public decision to part with Lampard.  His recent run of goal scoring may have opened the eyes of the most serious of doubters.  If true, it will prove to be in the best interests of the club.  With the recent waves of uncertainty that have rocked Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea FC, the club needs more professionals of Lampard’s caliber – not less.
 
Sign Lampard; Rafa Out
 
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