There are subtle aspects of the press’ coverage that have infiltrated the public’s psyche. The instant press turn around about Owen Hargreaves co-incideded with the ‘Gerrard for president campaign’.

This was another incomparable press admission, which (despite him having improved) was totally uncharacteristic of a typically sceptical medium.

He has played a load of games, and 2 good ones suddenly turn him into England’s best player?

Only because it conveniently *solved* the defensive midfield problem. That means there was theoretically only one place in attacking midfield available between Gerrard (the man they were saying should be captain and is a hero) and Lampard (who they were deriding, saying he should be dropped by being drastically over-critical).

Steve Mac sidestepped the issue by using him on the wing like Rafa does. That’s why ‘Stevie’ looked so frustrated when he realised that he’s going to be a winger until Lampard retires

Eh? Lampard plays to the left of a defensive midfielder or front middle of a diamond playing box-to-box. Gerrard plays wide left or right in a front three. What is this magical “same midfield spot”? That’s why the press tirade is a load of old cobblers.

“If the press weren’t subtly encouraging Lampard’s exclusion from the side…”

Subtly? What’s subtle about it?!

But man do I love Frank Lampard’s football. For me, he is THE best English player; well, after David Beckham of course Yep, better than Rooney even (and I’m a Man U fan).

So he had a dip of form during the World Cup. Everyone has a bad patch; it’s just unfortunate he had his then. As the Americans say: “Don’t hate the player”. He’ll come good again.

If we were playing friendlies at the moment i’d probably encourage Gerrard’s insertion into the attacking midfield role to test his worth. I’ve seen him play there quite a few times for England and perform poorly in the past. These days, he is a far more confident player than he used to be. The fact is, we still need to win these important games, and leaving out one of the country’s most consistant and dedicated midfielders would only threaten the teams cohesion.

The thing is, Gerrard’s recent performances have been drastically over-hyped as a part of the whole ‘Lampard out’ campaign. Instead of considering what Gerrard *can* do (scoring from distance, powering past players, and slotting deadly through balls to the forwards.. which Lampard also does ) people should be considering what he *is* doing. His passing has been far from consistant this season, and he has looked less dangerous in front of goal. Again, Lampard is over-hauling Gerrard’s goal tally in the premiership.. and Liverpool’s squad is now considered to be very strong, so the excuse that Gerrard has to work harder because he plays with a poorer side is nullified.

It’s an inevitability that people will always have their favourites, and that people will value either Gerrard or Lampard over each other. The fact is, Chelsea are generally hated, and Liverpool are admired. That means the majority will always be on Gerrard’s side. This has been repeatedly exacerbated by the press’ inclination to force their influence on the public by repeatedly slamming Lampard’s performances and admiring Gerrard’s even when they have both been performing poorly.

Lampard’s 2 goals were a breath of fresh air at the weekend and I fully expect him to find his form very soon.

BTW: Alex…
I think you got your words mixed up in reference to John Terry’s value to the team.
“every time he makes a defensive clearance”
should be
“he makes a defensive clearance every time”

He has been a bloody powerhouse since he’s been given the captain’s armband. Rio has continued to blunder domestically. (I happen to think that they play very well together, and Rio has been absolutely fantastic since JT got the arm-band as well).

Terry was unfairly criticised for every defensive mix-up in the world cup as justification for Gerrard’s case in becoming the England captain. Rio went unscathed.

Lampard is not undroppable because he’s best friends with Steve McClaren, so the situation is nothing like Beckham’s immunity. It’s because he’s the most consistant and prolific scorer from midfield available to Steve, and has been for 2-3 years.

Beckham was past it at Euro 2004, where people were already citing SWP as a replacement for him.
Lampard has hit an uncharacteristic patch of bad form, and is now back amongst the goals and performing fantastically for his club.

Whatever, wait until Lampard is over the hill before you start forcing Gerrard’s case. Lamps has got another 3-4 years at the top level at least. (His dad played until he was 40 at the top level, and Lamps has the same physical make up and energy levels as his father.)

http://soccerlens.com/calling-all-liverpool-and-chelsea-fans-gerrard-vs-lampard/1214490.html

You might as well have quoted every one of those unquantifiable opinions from the tabloid’s websites.

This isn’t a Gerrard vs Lampard debate. Go and find the previous post I made with regard to the two players.

Please people, think about what you are saying before you wade headlong into a criticism of my article that ironically undermines you.

To kill the fire you starve it of Oxygen!!!

Why is it only the English Press that does this to its sports people! Is the real Question !