Chelsea: Five players Frank Lampard needs to lead as well as perform
The Premier League season is only few weeks away now. With Chelsea halfway through the friendly tour, matters of squad selection are becoming more important for Frank Lampard.
Frank Lampard has a few major considerations to balance in selecting his best Chelsea squad to start the season. He will be determined to choose the right players who can help him by not just giving strong performances but also maintaining the bond, discipline and spirit for achieving the results. Here are five players who can play the anchor role in the success of Chelsea’s this year campaign.
1. Olivier Giroud
This underrated, tall, acrobatic man has a paramount task to complete. He is a team player with an impeccable record of serving the team, be it Arsenal, Chelsea or France. His attitude is positive towards team strategies while he is not at all demanding himself. He provides an edge during set pieces while his headers, aerial skills and quick passing ability is hard to ignore.
Giroud has won all the major trophies other than the Champions league and Premier League, and this season could be the last for him makes him. That will make him more dangerous and hungrier than ever. He ticks all the boxes for Lampard.
2) N’Golo Kante
Another prolific French workhorse. He can work at top effort for a continuous stretch of matches, covering not just midfield but also the defensive areas. He provides excellent services as the link-up between the midfielders and forwards.
A very calm person with a diehard attitude for team progress, he may not seem like a leader, but his on and off the field dedication for the team are examples for the whole squad.
3) Cesar Azpilicueta
The captain of Chelsea, his form and leadership are uniquely important at Stamford Bridge. He played all Premier League matches in 2018/19, assisted six goals, and played a dominating role in every team accomplishment, from solidifying third place to winning the Europa League.
He has been the most consistent player of the squad in last three years, fulfilling his responsibilities as a leader on regular basis.
This upcoming, pivotal season requires him fully fit as the level of competition is higher than usual. His presence and mindset will be key for Lampard’s strategies.
4) Kepa Arrizabalaga
With 14 clean sheets, the Spaniard started his career at Stamford Bridge on a high note. He had some furious moments during the season but all’s well that ends well.
Despite his age and last season’s indiscretion, he is on this list because he is the last line of defense and, no matter what, his actions will always decide the end result of the game. For instance, David De Gea of Manchester United last season proved that a goalkeeper can single-handedly change the entire course of the match, as his one mistake during Barcelona’s match took away any chances from United. Lampard needs Arrizabalaga fit and disciplined for the entire season.
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5) Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The exciting 23-year old English talent leads the march of young talents coming to the Chelsea squad this season. Last season he featured in a number of games under Maurizio Sarri, producing some game changing moments for the Blues. He also was a regular part of England’s senior team.
His progress has given hopes to many promising youngsters and, as a senior youngster, he can now take a lead role in the defensive and central midfield. For Lampard, he is versatile and can full fill many gaps.
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This is the season of a lifetime for Chelsea fans. Instead of merely celebrating results they must cheer their young talents, their loyal player-turned-coach and expect the unexpected.