The end of the noughties is upon us, which leads fans to the usual discussions, debates and arguments about the past decade of football. Who has been the best team? Who is the best manager? What has been the best game?
But what about the player of the decade?
Henry? No. Ronaldo? No. Shearer... still no. It is not the usual suspects that will roll off the tongues of most fans; the actual answer is Frank Lampard. Opta stats have proven that from 1st January 2000 to the present day Lampard has been the most valuable and most successful player in top flight football in England. Chelsea’s number 8 has played more games than any other player and has more wins. Moreover he has the second highest number of assists, and in breaking Dennis Wise’s record at Chelsea for goals scored by a midfielder, finishes fourth in the scoring charts.
Like many players Lampard has shown great courage, overcoming personal difficulties, recently with the loss of his mother, but his strength of character was perfectly demonstrated as he scored not one, not two but three penalty attempts against his old club to equalise for his current employers.
The records show Lampard will be remembered as one of the Premier League greats when he finally hangs his boots up. But not before a World Cup in South Africa and a few more campaigns yet.
The Londoner does not always get the recognition deserved within football circles, particularly in recent years. Being constantly compared to Liverpool’s own hero, Steven Gerrard is challenging for any player, whilst also competing for the same position in the international team doesn't make life easier but that is the nature of the game. Gerrard, a great player in his own right and a midfielder that is associated with explosive runs from midfield, the capability of scoring great goals, leading Liverpool to European glory and up until this season, dragging the Merseysiders from their feet to success.
David Beckham and the spectacular Cristiano Ronaldo took centre stage for Manchester United, worthy competition of the best player of the past decade. Unquestionably, 2009 PFA Player of the Year Ryan Giggs is also among the contenders, and is surely one of few players that can match the level of consistency Lampard has shown in the past ten seasons. Lampard himself can also lay claim to scoring some wonder goals himself as well as crucial goals for Chelsea, no better example being his equaliser in the Champions League final against Manchester United before eventually losing out on penalties.
Since exchanging Upton Park for Stamford Bridge in 2001, Lampard Junior has never looked back and has gone on to claim numerous trophies at Chelsea as well as breaking club records. After rejecting the temptations of Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan, Frank will surely use his remaining years to cement his place as one of the Chelsea all time greats. ‘Super Frank’ has been recognised all over the world without the hype of other players who may only steal the spotlight for a season or two never to appear again.
Statistics can always be manipulated but there is no risk of them lying here. I have heard the argument that Lampard is fortunate to play in a team like Chelsea, but surely the same argument would suggests Giggs could not have won such awards playing anywhere but Old Trafford? Professionalism and commitment need to match ability and this is a trait that will be found in many of the greats.
Fans will argue into the New Year who is the player of the decade, but the archives and statistics will show one player shining at the top of the tree, Frank Lampard.
