Chelsea legend Lampard praises David Luiz's inspirational midfield display

Chelsea veteran midfielder Frank Lampard praises David Luiz, after the defender put in a good display in a midfield role in the 8-0 drubbing of Aston Villa.

David Luiz has been tipped to make his mark in midfield for some time, and with John Obi Mikel’s African Cup of Nations trip coming up in a few weeks and Oriol Romeu’s six month injury, he is expected to be utilized in that position over the next month.

Franky said: “He has the ability to play either position and he’s been a fantastic central defender,” Lampard told the club’s website (www.chelseafc.com) on Monday.

David Luiz scored Chelsea’s second of 8 yesterday, with a delightful free-kick, and Lampard added: “You don’t see the hours put in on the training pitch to work on that technique.”

“David has done it and now you are seeing the rewards because every time we get a free kick in that area you fancy him to get it on target.”

The England international however received the warmest reaction from the crowd, with a standing ovation while being substituted on the hour-mark, and with the crowd singing ‘sign him up’ in response to the expected loss of Frank at the end of the season.

The Chelsea legend added: “The fans have supported me from the first minute I arrived and I appreciate them doing that, I try to play well for them.”

Lampard grabbed the fourth goal against Villa with a typically venomous long-range thunderbolt.

“I am very pleased with our win,” Lampard said. “We showed everything we are about when we are at our best and I am pleased to be a part of that and to contribute with a goal as well.

“We showed great appetite from the first minute with our desire to move the ball quickly and the early goal helped.”

David Luiz has had question marks over his defending, but in his two starts in midfield I cannot find a fault in his play. He has been outstanding, and his free-kick topped it off. Great performance Luiz.

As for Lampard, I hope Chelsea will give him an extension, he clearly has more to offer the club, and is so close to becoming Chelsea’s all time top scorer. Lamps is 12 goals off joining Bobby Tambling as joint-top scorer ever. He could get close to that by the end of the season if he can keep fit. Legend.