Frank Lampard: Juan Mata Can Be Like Arjen Robben & Damien Duff

Chelsea veteran Frank Lampard believes new signing Juan Mata can add a different dynamic to his Chelsea side hoping to keep up with both Manchester clubs.

Both United and City boast 100% records so far and scored 13 goals between them on Sunday. Chelsea are just two points behind the big spenders but have so far been unconvincing in all three of their opening games.

Lampard does believe Mata could be the key man as Chelsea look to keep pace with their Premiership rivals.

“Everyone harks back to the days of Arjen Robben and Damien Duff, when they were running down the wings and crossing balls in,” Lampard said.

“It is always a great weapon and, personally, I love it when we have that width because it gives you time to arrive late in the box and open teams up.

“That is what we have been able to do when at our best.

“We have other players who can do that but to see Mata do that early on, and also to slip inside playing one-twos and look so sharp, it gave us that different alternative to our play, which is great to see.”

The 33-year old believes it far too suggest it’s a two horsed race for the Premiership title this year.

“It is still early in the season,” said the vice-captain.

“I have seen a lot of games and, if you look at Man City, they have looked very good but went to Bolton and conceded two.

“Teams at this early stage of the season are quite hard to read.”

He added: “It might be quite nice for people not to talk about us and the fact other teams have spent more than us. We can concentrate on ourselves.

“Sometimes it is quite nice when everyone is not expecting Chelsea to run away with it like in previous years. It leaves it up to us to prove people wrong.”

Submitted by Football Friends