When separating Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho in the voting for the best player on the planet in 2005, what was Frank Lampard thinking?
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Odd man out? Lampard in exalted company at 2005's FIFA World Player award.That this was more a figment of his imagination than reality, or that this was where he belonged? That he was the world's finest footballer, or that he could barely believe his remarkable ascent himself? That there was an air of permanence about his new-found status, or that he should savour the occasion for its rarity value?
The suspicion is that, rather than being taken aback by the speed of his ascent among the echelon of the outstanding talents, there was a presumption that such accolades could become an annual event for him.
Four years earlier, Frank Lampard would not have rated a mention for a place in the world's top 200; after an almost unprecedented improvement from an established player, he came second only to Barcelona's Brazilian in the polling.
The 2006 award may go to Ronaldinho or Fabio Cannavaro. It is a certainty that it won't be adorning Lampard's mantelpiece.
With his Latin GCSE, the Chelsea midfielder should understand the phrase annus horribilis (though the words 'mea culpa' don't seem to have crossed his lips during an extended slump). It is a fair description of his year. If the World Cup represented the nadir for Lampard, a Wednesday night in Zagreb showed his dominant best is descending into distant memory.
Against Croatia, Steve McClaren configured his England team with Lampard in mind.
With Scott Parker primed to provide the industry and Michael Carrick the ammunition, this was a midfield with Lampard at the apex, given licence to advance and cap his 50th appearance for his country with a goal. He never threatened to.
Given the onus to excel as the senior member of an inexperienced midfield, he was arguably the most ineffective performer. For the fourth successive Euro 2008 qualifier, Lampard played poorly.
By sacrificing David Beckham, McClaren dodged a decision about Lampard, hiding behind Rafael Benitez's frequent use of Steven Gerrard on the right flank as a reason to deploy the Liverpool captain there. When England reconvene - whether for November's friendly against the Netherlands or March's qualifier in Israel - judgment on Lampard cannot be postponed any longer.
For Lampard's apologists, his heavy-legged performances can be explained by three seasons in which he scored 65 goals in 200 games for club and country.
“ Jose Mourinho is credited with convincing the midfielder he could become the world's best. â€
They are astonishing statistics and, given the pace and intensity of the modern game, unlikely to be equalled by a player balancing the needs of international football, the Champions League and a difficult domestic campaign. The facts alone don't reveal that, in that time, Lampard improved almost every facet of his game.
In 2006, seemingly, each has declined. It is easiest to judge Lampard by his goalscoring and a record of five in 15 this season is more than respectable, if inflated by penalties and deflections. But his passing, which had developed far beyond expectations, has lacked both incision and imagination.
While always shot-happy, he seems willing to completely forego beating a defender to take aim at the first possible opportunity. As was illustrated in the World Cup, this has not been a successful policy.
Indeed, in a tournament where many reputations were consolidated or enhanced, few had theirs damaged as much as Lampard. Now, his continued malaise means that, when all are available, McClaren should field an entirely different quartet in midfield to the trio mired in mediocrity in Zagreb with Aaron Lennon and Joe Cole flanking Gerrard and Owen Hargreaves.
There is a decision, too, for the man who has been Lampard's staunchest advocate. Jose Mourinho is credited with convincing the midfielder he could become the world's best. His place in the Chelsea side is unquestioned, not least because Lampard is far from alone in failing to replicate his club form on international duty. Nonetheless, there has been a depreciation in his displays for Chelsea.
It has come at a time of increased competition. Michael Essien, seemingly the most vulnerable, has responded superbly. Michael Ballack's greater flexibility and tactical awareness were apparent in his deeper role for Germany at the World Cup.
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Lampard leaves the pitch in Zagreb after another poor performance.Early season injuries to Joe Cole and Arjen Robben, meanwhile, have deprived Chelsea of width and Mourinho of a selection dilemma. So, too, has Ballack's suspension after his dismissal against Liverpool. When that ends, the Portuguese will have a wealth of midfield options; it will be instructive if Lampard maintains his status among the untouchables then.
For England, he should not.
His case is hardly helped by his adherence to the culture of excuses to which recent England teams have subscribed.
There is a sense that, along with several of his international team-mates, he appears to believe he should be exempt from criticism. Closer acquaintance with Lampard - via his autobiography - has hardly endeared the midfielder to a wider audience. The feeling, it appears, is mutual. He is now widely derided as 'fat Frank'; while others think he should shed excess pounds, Lampard is probably keener to rid himself of that unwanted tag
It was his weighty contribution, for both Chelsea and England, that propelled him into contention for the World Player of the Year award last time.
The speed and extent of his advance astonished but, when Lampard was sandwiched by the luminaries from Barcelona, was he wondering if his decline will be as rapid and dramatic?
Source: ESPN news
David Beckham should replace him for now imo. He is not doing well, He is under to much pressure.
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