Love Lampard

On July 24th 2014, Frank Lampard's love affair with Chelsea ended as he left as a free agent signing for the newly formed New York City FC. Today, he returns to Stamford Bridge in the colours of title rivals Manchester City.

There is a divide among the Chelsea faithful on how to receive a player they once lovingly dubbed "Super Frank." Some rightly feel he should be honoured upon his return whereas others feel that a special treatment should be out of the question for a player helping direct rivals Manchester City.

However, Chelsea really should be ashamed if Lampard does not getting anything but a warm reception full of respect. The Englishman is a player that was forever present in Chelsea's most successful years in history and was a cornerstone in their successes which included a first Premier League title in 50 years, a first Champions League trophy amongst the silverware.

Frank Lampard returns today to Stamford Bridge

During a time of constant change in owner Roman Abramovich's reign, Frank Lampard was one of the few players that was always in the side. He was part of the Chelsea backbone which included John Terry, Petr Cech and Didier Drogba that was considered untouchable by the Chelsea faithful.

Frank Lampard spent a majority of his career at Chelsea, having arrived from West Ham in 2001 for a fee of £11m, a price tag that was regarded at the time as a gamble. Since then Lampard became the clubs all time leading goalscorer with 211 goals for the side and the fourth in number of appearances in history for the side. Many forget that during his prime, Lampard was voted second in the Balon d'or ceremony behind none other than Ronaldinho.

One of the greatest to ever pull on a Chelsea shirt, Frank Lampard should be credited by the fans and club when he arrives with Manchester City today. It would be a touch of class for the club to do something similar to when Drogba returned with Galatasaray  and present him with a commendation.

Lampard was so often a player Chelsea turned to

The free-scoring central midfielder was ever graceful in his time at the Blues, someone many looked to as a model professional. Before the boo boys label him a traitor, they must remember that it was not Lampard who wanted to leave Chelsea, it was the other way round. The club deemed him a player that was not needed and at times looked like they were poorly treating a club legend.

Lampard's perfectly timed runs on the edge of the box, dictating of play and long range strikes became trademark Lampard at Chelsea and was so often a sight fans were use to seeing. It is strange to have him in anything but a Chelsea shirt but, even if it is in the colours of a direct rival he should still get the respect a record top scorer, model professional and legend should get upon a return home.

Lusting for Lacazette

"What is the name of that Welshman at Real Madrid? I think Alexandre is much better than him." This is the verdict of Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas when discussing his prized asset. In France, there is one man taking the plaudits for his form in the first half of the season. You would be forgiven for thinking it was one of the usual suspects from PSG's star studded line up such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Edinson Cavani.

 However, Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon's form has seen him develop into Ligue 1's man to mark and has even caught the eye of some of Europe's heavyweights. A January move is unlikely due to a thigh injury picked up ruling him out for the coming weeks but, the likes of Liverpool, PSG, Tottenham and Arsenal are suggested to be lining up bids for the Frenchman.  

Lyon are currently sitting pretty at the top of Ligue 1 and their form has been massively down to the heroics of their star striker Lacazette. The pacey little forward has 21 goals to his name in just 22 league appearances and Lyon's title credentials will be very much tested now Lacazette faces a period on the sidelines.

Lacazette is hot property 

While Lacazette has been one of the more exciting players in France for sometime now, it is this year the 23 year old has really grabbed the headlines. On the ball, Lacazette is a natural dribbler twinned with his flair he can give defenders nightmares. Quick and able to change direction with blistering acceleration, the Lyon front man is comfortable out wide on the left, right or playing through the centre. 

But where will he end up? Lacazette has even had to speak out about his future following months of intense speculation. He said: "Between England and Spain, I don't have a preference. I dreamt about Barca when I was little, but once you grow up you know you cannot be on just one club."

Lacazette is a French international and has four caps

However, there is hope for clubs outside of France in their pursuit. Lacazette soon addressed links to the Parc des Princes and said: "PSG? We will see, it is hard the answer that now. To play with Ibrahimovic and Lucas, I cannot say that I cannot see myself in this attack but it would more likely be a departure abroad. Afterwards, you never know what might happen." 

Where ever the destination Lacazette ends up, he will not come cheaply. Both president and manager of Lyon know that he is hot property and if they hold him in the same regard as Gareth Bale, who knows what sort of astronomical fee they could ask for. At 23 years of age the French international has his career ahead of him and is likely to move in the summer as his form suggests he has outgrown Lyon. Should Lyon be saying their au revoirs soon? 

MLSellout

Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco has signed for Toronto FC, joining the MLS side at the end of the season on a free to become the highest paid player in league history. However, at the age of 27, the Italian has sold out his career as there were competitive sides rumoured to be interested in his services.

In today's modern game, money talks. There have been a number of examples were players have traded loyalty, competition and their careers for financial gain. Giovinco is the latest example of such a trend in football.

Giovinco will become the highest paid Italian player and is going to quadruple the wage he was earning at the Turin club. His five year contract will earn him a basic wage of seven million euros with add ons amounting to around two and a half million euros. He was previously earning two and a half  million euros at Juventus, a microscopic wage to what he is set to earn.

The Juventus academy product's agent spoke out not so long and said there were several clubs vying for his signature. The likes of Lyon and Fiorentina were touted by the media as interested parties but, Giovinco has opted for the Canadian side.  

Giovinco was not present at the unveiling

However, the "Atomic Ant" is not a player coming to the end of his career looking for one final pay day in an exotic location. Giovinco is a fully fledged Italian international, capped 21 times and was included in Italy's recent friendly against Albania.

Although often on the fringes of the Italian national side and not included in the Italian world cup squad, Giovinco has effectively ended his international career. Moving to a side like Toronto FC will make it hard for Antonio Conte to seriously consider him for future squads.

Giovinco has not been a first team player for the Old Lady for sometime now, in recent seasons finding game time very rare. It was definitely time for Giovinco to leave the club but, to forfeit top level football for a nice pay check at his age and with his ability is a huge mistake.  

Giovinco has found game time at Juventus hard to come by

The diminutive little attacker is blessed with great pace and is certainly a tricky customer however, he often tries to do the spectacular when the simple option is best. If Giovinco could get his head up more often instead of taking on another player, the Italian would be a real asset to many European sides.

MLS supporters will argue this is just another example of the growing popularity of football outside of Europe. Players of ability moving out to the likes of the MLS and Indian Super League is just part of the growing trend and it can be argued that Giovinco is just part of that. Toronto boast a star studded squad too, with the likes of Micheal Bradley formerly of Roma and Jermain Defoe previously of Tottenham and on loan at Sunderland both on their books.

Giovinco has chased the money with his move to Toronto. It is ashame to see a player of his calibre cash in rather than challenge himself at another top European club. Such a move will do good for the MLS and will attract yet more people to keep an eye on the league however. Money's voice was louder than the voice of reason in Giovinco's case...

The right Juan?

The transfer gossip columns have been going into meltdown this January window and of late the popular story in circulation suggests that Juan Cuadrado of Fiorentina could be heading to Chelsea. The Blues already have an abundance of attacking flair in their ranks but are rumoured to be keen on the Columbian having reportedly had an initial bid already rejected. But is this a good move for the club?

If the arrival of another attacking midfielder is impending with Chelsea also heavily linked with Douglas Costa of Shakhtar Donetsk, then manager Jose Mourinho will no doubt be looking to thin the squad out before purchasing. The "Special one" already has Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Andre Schurrle and Mohammad Salah competing for a trio of spots in his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. 

Oscar, Willian and Hazard are the favoured three in Mourinho's starting eleven, so it appears Schurrle or Salah could be on their way out. According to the sources, it is believed that Schurrle wants a move back to native Germany with Wolfsburg being his suggested suitors. Egyptian international Salah is said to be close to a loan move to Roma, having previously been offered up to Monaco and Atletico Madrid having spent much of his Chelsea career a fringe player.   

Reports suggest Cuadrado is keen on a move to London

However, both sets of managers have played down speculation.  Mourinho said: "There are no marked men. I think he fits well in the Fiorentina squad, and in the Columbia squad, but not the Chelsea squad."    

Fiorentina's manager Vincenzo Montella had his say on the matter too, making it clear the Columbian is not a player he wants to lose. "He's got a buyout clause that he signed with the club, but if any club comes in and pays that, he will leave even in the finals days of the transfer window."

The Italian manager then added: "Sadly that's the way it is. For me and the club though, Cuadrado is a player we cannot do without."

Both players careers at Chelsea hang in the balance

Would Cuadrado be a worthwhile signing however? The right sided attacker's buyout fee is a substantial £26.8 million and it is unlikely the Viola will accept anything below that price. If the 26 year old was to arrive at Stamford Bridge, it would pose serious competition to Willian's starting berth in the side.  

Critics will argue that Willian's industrial side to the game is pivotal to Chelsea, as although the Brazilian has so far failed to deliver in the final third, his ability to get up and down the flank is important to Chelsea's balance as a side. Branislav Ivanovic poses a threat down the right side and is only able to bomb forward like he does knowing that Willian works just as hard to cover the Serbian.

However, the Columbian is more than match for the hard work Mourinho demands all his players give to the side. During defensive plays, Chelsea set up with 10 players behind the ball, the wingers expected to contribute to both defensive and attacking moves.    

Cuadrado had an impressive world cup in Brazil

Cuadrado, naturally a right back moved to right wing under Montella is defensively apt. He also arguably offers more in the final third than Willian having tied with Toni Kroos for most assists at the 2014 world cup. His pace and flair make him more than a handful for defenders.     

Cuadrado and Willian have a similarities in their game, both boosting natural agility and fleet of foot. They share lightweight frames and are pocket sized however, the Columbian is more direct with his dribbling and has more than a trick or two in his arsenal as he so often beats his opposing marker.

It is now a question of whether Chelsea are willing to take a expensive risk on a player untested in England to replace Willian, a player many regard as influential to Chelsea. Although Cuadrado has the potential to improve the London based side, such a signing will not come cheaply for Mourinho. This transfer story is certainly "Juan" to watch.  

A frustrating Frenchman

Hull manager Steve Bruce has said that on loan French winger Hatem Ben Arfa has played his last game for the club. Not welcomed at parent club Newcastle following several bust ups with manager Alan Pardew, Ben Arfa currently finds himself in a club limbo, becoming a free agent in the summer.

Just 4 months into his loan at the KC stadium and Bruce has called time on his brief spell. Bruce gave his damning verdict and said: "He won't be coming back here, that's all I can say. I'm disappointed more than anything." 

"We brought him in on a wave of publicity and there has been no fall-out or slanging match. His views of the game are different to mine. At any club you need to have a certain work ethic to get in the team. That's the frustrating thing. 

"I hope Hatem takes in what I've had to say to him because his talent is there for all to see. But talent without hard work means you won't live up to your potential."  

Ben Arfa's loan spell has ended terribly

A player once labelled a French prodigy, Ben Arfa's career has never truly lived up to the expectations that many had of him. In the early days of his career at Lyon, he had many top European suitors and his talent was clear to see. 

When he arrived at England, it was considered a coup by Newcastle with many stunned that the Tyneside club had pulled off a loan move for the Frenchman. Arriving after a sour ending with Marseille despite winning a Ligue 1 title, Ben Arfa's debut season in England was promising as he showcased his talent, prompting Newcastle to make it a permanent deal.

However, Ben Arfa suffered a leg break the season after. After a long recovery, Ben Arfa only showed glimpses of the talent we had previously seen. .Ben Arfa going forward is a real threat but, defensively he is lethargic and poor. Often seen casually strolling around the pitch, Ben Arfa is often a target for the boo boys in the terraces.

Off the pitch, Ben Arfa has been described as "difficult," having had a number of bust ups with team mates and staff. His lack of discipline has given the impression to many that he cares more for night life than he does for putting the hours in on the training ground.

Ben Arfa rarely shows what he is capable of doing

A loan move to Hull looked like a deal that could have been a real success for Ben Arfa. A fresh start, away from the previous broken relationships at Newcastle where he was demoted to the reserves. Ben Arfa had the chance to get his head down and get back to the Ben Arfa of many years ago.

However, it just hasen't happened, so much so Bruce wants to call time on his stay at the club. Ben Arfa has squandered a golden opportunity to put himself in the shop window for potential suitors come the summer when he leaves Newcastle on a Bosman.

Both Ben Arfa and Karim Benzema had the same footballing nurturing, having came out of the Lyon academy and played together in the French youth national teams but, could not contrast in their careers much more.

Some still have hope that Ben Arfa, at age 27, could finally find a club where he properly integrates himself into the side. The winger needs to realise he is part of a team rather than an individual. Ben Arfa's career is a frustrating one, a tale of missed opportunities and bust ups. Fans of the tricky Frenchman will hope the frustration will come to an end with his next career move.

Tactics dossier: Further Fabregas?

Although still early in season, it wouldn't be premature to think that the Premier League title could be heading to Stamford Bridge. Having made two blockbuster signings in Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, Mourinho has added a new dimension to a already strong Chelsea side. Suggestions are rife that this squad could replicate the feats of Arsenal's "Invincibles" with the side yet to lose in the league however, are not impenetrable.

Chelsea do concede goals, having let in eleven in thirteen games. Defensively, Chelsea look sound with arguably one of the best keepers in Europe between the sticks in Thibaut Courtios which has even seen the number one of last decade Petr Cech relegated to the bench. Mourinho's first choice back four of Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta are well structured and hard to break down too. 

So how is it Chelsea still concede goals? In Mourinho's 4-2-3-1 formation, the Portuguese manager demands every player works hard during defensive passages of play, with everyone tracking a man and their runs. It is a philosophy that is well drilled and organised throughout the team however, it does not suit certain players.  

Every player is required to contribute to defensive moves

Nemanja Matic in front of the back four in the midfield two next to Fabregas has been a unsung hero, often winning the ball and breaking down play only to lay it off to the more creative team mates who make the headlines. It is the Serbian who during attacking moves sits in and allows his more creative midfield partner Fabregas to advance forward and join the attack. 

Arguably Chelsea's best player this year after Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas has been a real hit with the Blues. His vision and pin point passing often carves open defences and it is unlikely Costa would have so many goals if it was not for Fabregas feeding him. In thirteen Premier League games Fabregas has 10 assists, a record at this point in the season and is well on his way to breaking Thierry Henry's record of twenty assists in one season.   

However, despite his stand out performances it is become clear that Cesc Fabregas is defensively frail. During counter attacks Fabregas is often out of position, more attracted to the ball rather than picking up his man. It seems as if he lacks the stamina and positional sense that Matic has to consistently track and mark men when Chelsea don't have the ball. Fabregas sitting in front of the defence when Chelsea are defending seems to be the Achilles heel in a team that lacks any real weakness.  

Fabregas has two goals to his name for Chelsea

At Anfield, Emre Can twice broke through midfield and eventually punished Chelsea scoring the opener for Liverool, with Fabregas at fault as he let the German drive through midfield. In the Blues' most recent fixture away at Sunderland, towards the end of the match Sunderland were breaking through midfield as Fabregas trailed behind. There is no way the returning Mourinho could ever drop a player of Fabregas' calibre, so what would be a remedy to the situation? 

Could swapping Oscar with Fabregas, putting the Spaniard in the number 10 position behind the striker help the situation? Oscar looks more suited to the central midfield role than Fabregas defensively as his work rate is one of the best in the side and even for a number 10, the Brazilian is a top tackler with his terrier-like hustling of opposition players. In 2012-2013, he was Chelsea's 3rd top tackler and won more than his attacking team-mates combined. 

It was that season, when Rafa Benitez was briefly in charge the rumours were that on the training ground the now Napoli manager was trying to mould Oscar into a central midfielder, making the Brazilian international pay close attention to Frank Lampard. There is no doubting that Oscar has the capability to play in the central role as he has all the necessary skills to succeed there.  

Fabregas represented Spain at the world cup this year

Playing Fabregas further forward and closer to Diego Costa could also improve the chemistry these two have shown in the early season. Fabregas would be allowed to get space and feed Costa and wingers like Eden Hazard, Willian and Andre Schurrle with the sort of through balls their pace thrives on. Although the ex-Barcelona man will still have defensive duties, there would be another line of defensive before an opposition attacking move reached the likes of Terry and Cahill. 

However, in doing so there are a number of cons. Moving Fabregas further forward could see the side lack a player that can dictate the play in the middle of the park. Not only that, but by moving him in the number 10 role it would restrict him to playing shorter more intricate passes rather than the long and switching balls that have had such success this year.  

Oscar has been in fine form this year for Chelsea

Fabregas' best quality is no doubt his range of passing and to utilise this to it's fullest extent he would be best played in the central midfield role next to Matic. However, this has been proven to be penetrable. It could also be argued that Oscar, a player who arrived from Internacional as a winger, is more suited to the number 10 role than Fabregas as he is better with the ball at his feet. 

It truly is a conundrum tactically. Does Mourinho sacrifice his star midfield man for defensive reassurance and play him further forward, swapping him for a player that although untested competitively in the central midfield role has the necessary skills to succeed? It is food for thought for Blues fans!    

Wheelchair for Wilshere

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been ruled out for 3 months following ankle surgery on a injury he picked up in the Gunners' clash with Manchester United. The setback could not come at a worse time for Wilshere, a man who was enjoying a purple patch of form for club and country.

However, the physio room has become a home away from home for the twenty-two year old who during his short career since making his debut in 2008 has spent a hundred and ninety weeks on the treatment table.

Almost every time Wilshere goes down in a heap on the floor fans have the immediate reaction that the fragile ankles of the midfielder may once again have buckled.  Although clearly a top English talent, many wonder do the consistent injuries pose a risk to the potential Wilshere has?

Wilshere has one goal in nine this Premier League campaign

The England international is also a player a player that is either under criticism or enjoying a streak of hot form. At the start of the season, Wilshere was public enemy number one following pictures of him smoking (not the first time either) on holiday leaving many doubting Wilshere was truly committed to his profession and even had some suggesting his attitude would hold him back from unlocking his true potential.

A slow start in terms of personal performance had many believing Wilshere was never going to reach the heights people had expected and even saw icon Paul Scholes deliver a venomous verdict. Scholes said:  "Jack Wilshere, he came on the scene and what a top player he looked, but he’s never really gone on. He needs people like Vieira to take him to the next level. His development, he doesn’t look any better now than he did at 17." 

However, it was not long before he had many of critics eating their own words as he put in stellar performances for England and Arsenal. Wilshere is a fine example of how fickle the footballing world can be and it was not long before Scholes took back his statement and suggested Wilshere was currently England's best player and based on those performances was a fair analysis.   

That infamous picture

The Arsenal academy product is a player more than capable of playing intricate and beautiful short passing but also possess the rugged drive to dribble the ball at players and get stuck in defensively. If injuries were to hinder his career progressing it would be a huge blow to the Gunners' faithful who have watched Wilshere develop from a promising teen into a mature first team player. 

A fan favourite, Wilshere will be looking to get off the treatment table as soon as possible and get right back to playing. If history is doomed to repeat itself, Wilshere will return too soon and pick up another frustrating injury that could further set him back. The twenty-two year old will need time to get back into the swing of things following surgery and many will be hoping that after this setback Wilshere will begin to put his plague of injuries behind him. Should it be Jack Wilshere or Jack Wheelchair? Only time will tell!