“It’s a similar story, it felt the same as recent games,” Lampard told Amazon Prime Video Sport h/t by Evening Standard.
“You have to credit Southampton for that, they were organised and they got their goals on the counter. We need to be better at breaking teams down, it’s as simple as that.”
“I think we need to better than we were today, it does has to be a quick learning process for us,” he added.
These were Lampard’s statements after Chelsea were handed a 2-0 shock defeat by Southampton on boxing day. Highlighting the simple fact that Chelsea have a big problem hinging on creativity – and must be solved in January or at most the summer window.
Based on this, Chelsea must take their chance with Isco if there is any substance to reports linking the Madrid star with a move to England. For starters, he would go a long way in solving the lack of creativity Lampard’s young side seem to be going through at the moment.
Just some days ago, Chelsea were linked with a mega-money bid for Real Madrid playmaker Isco, as per the El Desmarque (via The Sun).
It was always going to be interesting to see how the club would react once the transfer ban is lifted. Frank Lampard has done an incredible job with the young players this season but it the club might be tempted to add some big-name signings to the squad.
Chelsea are interested in signing Isco in either the winter or summer transfer window though it seems highly unlikely for Florentino Perez to give a green light to a sale in the middle of the season.
Isco has significantly upped his performances and is playing a key role for level Real Madrid. He played key roles in big matches with PSG and Barcelona, looking like the team’s most effective attacking option in El Clasico.
The Spain international even had a highlight-reel play in the goalless draw, setting up Karim Benzema for a shot on target with a nutmeg backheel. Chelsea’s interest in Isco isn’t surprising since he’s an extremely talented player. But they also have other talented attacking players who are younger, such as Mason Mount.
Currently, Isco is a victim of Real Madrid’s formation that forces him out wide where he can disappear. If Lampard uses him either as a no.10 or finds a way to get him in central positions, this could elevate the current Chelsea team to the next level.
There’s no doubt that Isco is a world-class talent. He can control the midfield and is exciting to watch. It’s possible he might not have the pace to be considered alongside the elite but if he played in a team that’s built around him, he could be devastating.
The playmaker has a contract in the Spanish capital until the summer of 2022. The 27-year-old has also featured in eight of Madrid’s last 10 La Liga matches (Whoscored), starting their last two against Valencia and Barcelona.
Chelsea have one of the best and most exciting talents in the Premier League right now but they are lacking a couple of world-class players who could come in and make a serious impact while also sending a real statement to the rest of the Premier League.
The Blues recently had their FIFA-imposed transfer suspension lifted and are expected to be active when the January transfer window opens for business. A new forward must be a priority for the club but by signing a playmaker like Isco, Chelsea would get someone who has ample experience at the top level. Isco ticks all those boxes: creativity, experience and versatility that would be very helpful for Lampard and Chelsea.
Young players have thrived under Frank Lampard and Isco might just be the right man to lead Chelsea to a possible top-four finish.
