Frank Lampard: A true Chelsea legend

Lampard’s masterclass in midfield ensured it was the former. With the Portuguese side strongly in the ascendancy, Lampard reminded Chelsea that they were European Champions and were expected to play like so as he unleashed a venomous piledriver from 25 yards, forcing Benfica keeper Artur into a magnificent one-handed sprawling save seven minutes from half-time.

That drive sparked Chelsea to life and lasted well into the second half when Fernando Torres shrugged of Luisao, snuck past Artur and planted a low shot into an empty net to open the scoring for the Londoners.

But even then, Chelsea only sporadically threatened and for swathes of the game looked like they were barely clinging on, but Lampard was intent on dispelling the superiority Benfica were showing. Two minutes from time, when the game looked like it could go either way, Lampard thundered a ferocious drive towards the Benfica goal. As providence would have it, that delivery thundered against the crossbar with Artur stranded, but was setting the stage for a more dramatic showdown.

Few need reminding of Branislav Ivanovic’s heroics forty-five seconds from time.

In a season that saw Lampard lose his first team position, watch from the bench as Roberto di Matteo was sacked, with little knowledge of where he could be plying his trade next when his contract was due to expire at the end of this season, his performances – not his words – showed that he was Chelsea through and through. Performances that have awarded him a one-year extension to his contract because he answered the call when Stamford Bridge needed aid.

And that is why whenever Frank Lampard walks onto the Chelsea turf, the cries of ‘one Frank Lampard’ that reverberate throughout West London will be justified.

For there is only one, and he is a true Chelsea legend.