Lampard proves a point with goal against Valencia

WITH almost an hour played in Valencia's intimidating Mestalla stadium, Chelsea were in the ascendancy and seeking reward for their positive approach play. Florent Malouda escaped down the right and rolled an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Frank Lampard thumped a clean, first-time strike past the previously invincible Diego Alvez.

It was the type of finish that has become Lampard's trademark over an illustrious career for club and country. On this occasion it was catharsis for one of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea untouchables, who has begun to resemble a bit-part player under Andre Villas-Boas. Before the Valencia game the midfielder had started the previous two games on the bench and had played just 90 minutes of football out of 360.

"I want to play," Lampard said after the match, letting his frustration be known. "I don't want to just pick my money up and sit on my backside or on the bench."

It was hardly a Tevez-style mutiny, just a re-affirmation of the hunger that still burns in this magnificent competitor who has racked up 173 goals in 518 games for his club.

Lampard confirmed his mature outlook by showing understanding of the young coach’s methods, who is three months Lampard's junior. "You have to respect the manager, respect the team and the quality of the squad we have," he said. "It's a big squad and the manager has to do what he sees fit. If he wants to bring young players through at times you have to go along with that."

What role he will play in the new order is difficult to foresee. In the Telegraph, Henry Winter is confident that 'Lamps' can reclaim his place by reinventing himself a la Paul Scholes as a "director of operations in deep midfield".

Others will point to the appearance of David Luiz yesterday, who has not been starting in the Premiership, as evidence that Vilas-Boas has different line-ups for domestic and continental duty.

Lampard's return to form creates 'good problems' for Vilas-Boas, who will know the midfielder has survived seven Chelsea managers to date and will not go quietly. His fine riposte in the Mestalla will also help to silence the massed ranks of detractors who have bafflingly plagued him throughout a glorious career. ·