Lampard looks to keep record going
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard wants to reach a double-century of consecutive Premiership appearances and make his record “impossible” to be caught.
The 27-year-old has featured in 160 games in a row, passing the previous mark set by Manchester City goalkeeper David James.
His achievement, along with consistent high-level performances, meant Lampard finished second behind Barcelona’s Ronaldinho in the European Footballer of the Year poll.
Despite a temptation for Blues boss Jose Mourinho to rest Lampard, the England international does not want a spell on the sidelines.
“I want to push on beyond 200 games and make it impossible for anyone to break the record,” Lampard said.
“I don’t like being rested and I don’t want to take a break now. I really enjoy playing week-in, week-out and I’ve done that for the past four seasons.
“So I want to keep going until my legs tell me I can’t do it any more or the manager decides to leave me out.
“I’ve been lucky with injuries but a lot of that is down to the way I live my life.”
Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard finished third behind Lampard in the poll, with England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson insisting the pair are in one of the strongest midfields to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Germany.
Although it has been suggested England’s midfield duo do not compliment each other in the same side, Eriksson insists their quality is part of his side’s strengths.
Skipper David Beckham plays on the right and Joe Cole has been favoured in the problematic left-midfield berth, and Eriksson believes he has “one of the best midfields in the world”.
“I am so happy for them both,” Eriksson said. “Of course it will give them a big lift to know that they are so highly regarded across Europe, but I also think that it is only a fitting recognition for what they have both achieved in the last year.
“When you put them alongside David Beckham you can see why the midfield is one of the strongest parts of our team and also why I believe we have one of the best midfields in the world.
“I think we are getting more from our midfielders now and I hope they will stay fit and strong for the rest of the season and through to the World Cup finals.”
Ronaldinho added: “Lampard and Gerrard are great players, they deserve to be rewarded in this way and it is a pleasure for me to see them play in the Premiership.
“It is great to see such talented footballers at such a young age.”
With Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher and Chelsea skipper John Terry included in the team of the year, Eriksson sees a bright future.
“We also had John Terry, Jamie Carragher, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney nominated,” he said.
“So it’s really encouraging for the England Team and, with seven players of the team of the year coming from the Premier League, it shows how high the standard of football is in this country.”
