Not a Manchester City game goes by now without Frank Lampard’s future becoming the subject of discussion.
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Time is obviously ticking with his departure to New York City, and Major League Soccer, planned for January 1 following the end of his loan spell.
Will he stay or will he go?
But two things are quite clear right now – which have been heightened by City’s last two wins against Bayern Munich and Southampton. Their need for Lampard is growing with every influential appearance, and it is a decision that needs to be made soon so all parties – with both clubs owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and minister of presidential affairs – are appeased and can plan accordingly.
The outcome of the Champions League showdown with Roma on December 10, which could determine who joins Bayern in the last 16, has been mooted as a possible moment to shed further light on the situation. But with Yaya Toure heading off to the African Cup of Nations in January, it would be folly to allow Lampard to head off to the Big Apple when his new club’s debut MLS season does not begin until March.
You can understand that they want their marquee signing to bed in with team-mates and promote the brand. But he could hardly be better prepared than training with world-class players and what better way to make his grand entrance, and provide publicity for New York, the MLS and Abu Dhabi, than as a Premier League champion.
As we enter a month that nearly always shapes the title race, City seem certain to slug it out with Chelsea for the No1 ranking.
That is probably not how Lampard envisaged his campaign when he left Stamford Bridge in the summer after 13 trophy-laden years.
It was unlucky for the Blues that the 36-year-old has enjoyed an exciting lease of life after being deemed surplus to requirements.
Of course he may not start all the time, nor see out 90 minutes, but his impact at the Etihad has been noticeable. Not only on the pitch with his five goals in just 11 games, seven of them as a sub, but off it.
As Pablo Zabaleta also revealed, Lampard is first at the training ground and the last to leave. “He’s still playing like he’s 18 years old,” said the full-back. And that youthful zest, coupled with a winning mentality, is what City will need to help overhaul his former club.
Whatever happens next, Lampard’s place among the league’s greats is assured.
Frank Lampard wants to delay his move to New York City and extend his loan period at Manchester City beyond next month. (Daily Mail)
— Transfer Centre (@CentreTransfer) December 1, 2014
When you think of modern-day midfielders the world over, he is up there with Paul Scholes and Kaka in having the ability to pick out a team-mate with clever passing and punishing opponents with unerring shooting accuracy.
To think he stands fifth among the Premier League’s all-time top scorers with 174 goals, just one short of Thierry Henry, is amazing.
Oh, and if Manuel Pellegrini is debating whether to start Lampard tonight at Sunderland, where they have tasted 1-0 defeats in four successive league visits, then maybe this stat might help.
He has scored nine times against Sunderland in league and cup games since 2007. It is a record that commands respect. So too Lampard for an outstanding career.
The perfect professional, the perfect gentleman and it would be fitting if he got the chance to enjoy the perfect finale in English football.
