Chelsea: The apprentice has now become the master

With Frank Lampard and Jose Mourinho set to face off with Chelsea and Tottenham respectfully, the apprentice has become the master.

As we look forward to the clash on Sunday between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, it would be fair to say the managers at the helms have developed one of football’s modern-day rivalries.

Jose Mourinho’s name is held in high esteem in West London and is written into one of the most successful eras of the club’s history. The once beloved self-proclaimed “special one” now sees himself as adversary this weekend.  Mourinho is easily one of the greatest managers to ever grace the game. However, this season presented a major question to whether he still is at the elite level. Thus far, he is proving to still be at the peak of his powers. In this unpredictable season, quietly the duopoly of Liverpool and Manchester City has shifted to Chelsea and Tottenham.

Despite Mourinho’s glowing resume and years of tactical knowledge, his once star pupil now turned Chelsea manager seems to best him. Frank Lampard, in his debut season as manager of Chelsea, completed a historic double over Mourinho. Lampard became the first manager ever to beat a Mourinho side both home and away in a league season.

This season, Mourinho was finally able to best Lampard in the League Cup through a penalty shootout. So, in 90 minutes, Mourinho is still yet to get the better of Lampard. This will undoubtedly play on Mourinho’s mind heading into the fixture. But why does Mourinho struggle against Lampard?

The answer may be a little more profound than expected: Lampard is Mourinho 2.0. On first viewing, Mourinho and Lampard would seem to be worlds apart in footballing philosophy particularly if you are to consider last season. Last season, Lampard opted for swashbuckling, expansive football leading to games where goals were scored in both ends. The lack of control of games last season is a far cry from that Mourinho pragmatism.

However, this season, given new signings and time with the squad, we now see a clearer image of Lampard’s vision. The once comical backline is now a water tight unit conceding only one goal in four games and the forwards have blistering counter attacking capabilities to cause concern for any side in world football. Sounds familiar? You wouldn’t be remised if you were to think this a prime Mourinho side. While the parallels are clear, for Lampard to be deemed “Mourinho 2.0” he would have to had upgraded on this model, which he has. Not only does Chelsea have that defensive steel, Lampard also plays some of the most attractive football in the league dominating the ball majority of games. This isn’t synonymous with Mourinho’s style but no doubt is an improvement.

A major factor which likens the two managers away from the tactical set ups is their emphasis on character of players. Character is a subject in which Lampard has voiced as early as last season at times questioning it and how Chelsea lacked it. Through his recruitment, there was a clear emphasis on character. Lampard brought in a proven winner and leader in Thiago Silva. Ben Chilwell is a player who understood the identity of the club. Hakim Ziyech is a player who oozes swagger and confidence. Alongside the Chelsea academy graduates, it was clear Lampard was not only building a strong footballing spine for the team but also a spine full of personality. This aspect is sometimes overlooked in the modern game and without a winning mentality instilled in the club could create a negative downward spiral.

On the subject of Chelsea academy graduates, Mason Mount shall be brought into the discussion. Mount is arguably the most criminally underrated young talent on the planet with his overall game showing no clear weakness. If a player could embody Lampard’s style it would be Mount. Mount will cover every blade of grass on the pitch, is a pressing machine yet still has the technical finesse of a playmaker. In addition to this, he has the intelligence and versatility to play in a number of positions across midfield and the frontline. Reverting back to the Mourinho comparison, Mount is a player who would have thrived in a Mourinho Chelsea system.

There are clear areas in which Lampard has taken inspiration from Mourinho however the point must be made he is by no means a copy. Lampard has his own unique footballing philosophy and is one of the best young coaches in the game. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could surpass Mourinho’s accomplishment with the blues and this weekend could be the first step.