Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini feels that midfielder Frank Lampard is most effective when he comes on as a substitute.
Lampard, who arrived in the summer from MLS outfit New York City FC, has been a valuable addition to the Citizens’ squad. The midfielder has scored five goals and assisted a further two in his 19 Premier League appearances thus far.
Pellegrini insists that the former England international has been an important player for the reigning Premier League champions.
“Frank is a very important player for us, either starting in the eleven or after as a substitute, so he will continue playing the way I think is useful for the team”, Pellegrini was quoted as saying by the BBC.
Of Lampard’s 19 league appearances, only three have come as a starter, the rest have been from the substitutes’ bench. The Chilean added that the 36-year-old is more than capable of playing for the full 90 minutes, but his impact is more telling when he has a run at tired opponents.
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“I don't think he can't play 90 minutes. When the other teams have played 50 or 60 minutes, I think Frank makes more of a difference.”
Lampard has scored goals at crucial times to help Manchester City win valuable points. He scored the equalising goal against his former team and current Premier League leaders Chelsea; he also scored the solitary goal in a 1-0 win against Leicester City.
And Pellegrini hopes that the veteran midfielder continues his form.
“His best moments of the season came as a substitute and he scores. I hope he continues in the same way.”
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