Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Vincent Kompany: Frank Lampard is a perfect fit for Manchester City

Vincent Kompany believes Frank Lampard and Manchester City are a perfect fit for one another -- and thinks the 36-year-old proved it with a goal that the Belgian believes could have a huge impact on their season.

The veteran midfielder opened his City account against his former club Chelsea to earn the Premier League champions a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Without Lampard's strike, City would have been eight points behind league leaders Chelsea after five games and Kompany feels it could prove crucial in the final reckoning.

Lampard joined City on loan until January when he goes to New York FC to prepare for their inaugural MLS season.

And Kompany said: "He needed what we can offer him and I think we needed what he can bring to us. If you talk to him I reckon that's how he sees it as well and today was just the icing on the cake. He brings experience.

"It is not a word you make up, it is something that helps and it is like his goal: keeping your head cool in a moment when you are under pressure and down to 10 men -- how many players would have scored that goal? He has proven it himself in only a few minutes, which is good.

"Ever since I have been at this club, seasons and big moments have been decided on small events like this so I will never underestimate what it could mean to our season. It could be crucial."

Lampard scored a record 211 goals for Chelsea and Kompany thinks he proves he still has the ability to succeed at the highest level.

He added: "He brings quality. The goal he scored you would have seen for the last 15 years in the Premier League. He is clever, still extremely motivated and ultimately you play so many competitions you need all the guys to be there and he is another who will clearly make our team stronger. I can base things on what I see day in, day out on the training ground and he is one of the better players."

^ Back to Top ^