Frank Lampard scored 211 goals for Chelsea, more than anyone in the club's history, and he did it from midfield. A good share of them came from the penalty spot.
His method was textbook. A short run-up, the ball placed with care, and enough pace on it to beat any goalkeeper. It was not flashy, and Stamford Bridge got so used to it that a Lampard penalty became routine.
- Over 50 career penalties for Chelsea, West Ham and England combined.
- At Chelsea he converted well over 80% of his spot kicks.
- He scored them in Champions League knockout ties and in tight Premier League games.
The midfielder's penalty
Many of the names on this list are strikers who took penalties as part of the job. Lampard was a complete midfielder who happened to be as good from the spot as most forwards. His mix of placement and power was studied and admired by others trying to learn the craft.
Step up, score, jog back for the restart. Super Frank did it so often that people stopped noticing, which may be the best compliment a penalty taker can get. Stamford Bridge has not had a more reliable one. Number 9.
Tomorrow: number 8.
