Frank Lampard: What Impact Will He Have At Manchester City?

If you were to have asked Manchester City fans at the end of last season which positions needed strengthening over the summer, you would have received remarkably similar replies. The vast majority of supporters would have highlighted the importance of bringing in competition for Joe Hart, reliable back-up for Pablo Zabaleta, a top quality central defender to feature alongside Vincent Kompany and a holding midfielder to protect the back four. And, thanks largely to Txiki Begiristain’s meticulous planning and efficiency, those areas of the squad have all been reinforced with genuine talent. There was one further addition, however, which felt somewhat like a wildcard.

When Frank Lampard announced his departure from Chelsea and his subsequent plan to swap London for New York, there were occasional murmurs that he might link up with Manuel Pellegrini’s men before heading to the United States. Yet those whispers seemed to die down when David Villa, having also decided to sign for New York City, agreed to join Melbourne City in the meantime for a short spell. Naturally, it was thought Lampard would follow the same path. Instead, when Pellegrini heard of the midfielder’s willingness to join his side in Manchester until January, he didn’t hesitate in recruiting the now-retired England international.

Looking at the deal from Pellegrini’s and the club’s perspective, it was an obvious one. They have bolstered the squad, in the short-term at least, with one of the standout players of the Premier League era. Lampard’s best years are behind him, of course, but he still has plenty to offer and he’ll be determined to prove a point to Chelsea that they were a little hasty in allowing him to leave.

His burst of pace may have gone, but he still has the football brain that guides him into dangerous positions. He will be aware of his limitations; when he features, don’t expect him to charge up and down the pitch and brush aside opponents without fuss. What he will do is use his experience and intelligence to provide City with just what they need, whether that be a controlled head in midfield to close out a game, or an injection of purpose and drive to their attacks. He will not be a flamboyant purchase, but I have no doubt that he’ll be a sensible one.

On the flip side of the coin, Lampard will view this move as ideal. It allows him to maintain his fitness at one of the top clubs in the world and train daily with a group of immensely talented players who are desperate for success. He will play to some extent – not every game and not for 90 minutes – and that ought to enable him to link up with his new side in New York while fresh. He’ll view this loan move as a challenge. Is he still able to make a meaningful impact on the Premier League? Can he continue to influence matches and drive his team to success? Only time will tell.

Following the current international break, he’ll be available for selection. City suffered disappointment last time out against Stoke – although they are still favourites to lift the title with betdaq – but while it would be a long shot to throw him straight into action against the trio of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, he will surely have a role to play as fixtures pile up and Pellegrini rotates his squad. Fernandinho, Fernando and Yaya Touré will be the manager’s favoured selections in midfield, but should they need a rest or pick up an injury along the way, Lampard’s experience will no doubt be a desirable asset upon which Pellegrini can call.

He can operate as one of two central midfielders, perhaps with Fernando sitting deeper and thus giving Lampard the freedom to express himself further forward, or he can operate as part of a central three, a formation Pellegrini may now look towards after the departure of Alvaro Negredo. It is difficult to see how the former Chelsea man will squeeze his way into the first-choice eleven if all the squad are fit and in form, but he will get plenty of opportunities, even if they do initially happen to arrive in cup competitions or the final few minutes of games.

Although the role of deputy will be an unusual one for Lampard, his faultless attitude and enduring quality will hopefully help him make a positive contribution before he heads off to New York. Either way, it’s a no-lose situation for City.

Follow @viewfromablue