Ballack bemused by lack of Lampard recognition
Frank Lampard was a surprise omission from the PFA awards
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Thursday, 23, Apr 2009 09:53
Chelsea star Michael Ballack has revealed his surprise at his midfield partner Frank Lampard not getting nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.
The England international was overlooked for the prestigious awards, which this year have been dominated by Manchester United players.
Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Edwin van der Sar were all nominated from the champions, with Steven Gerrard the only non-United player to get short-listed.
But Ballack, who plays alongside Lampard and Michael Essien in dynamic Chelsea midfield, described Lampard as one of the "best players in the world" and felt he should have been nominated for the PFA award.
"Frank has played consistently at a high level all season," said Ballack. "I don't know why he was not nominated but at Chelsea we know how good he is and that is all that matters.
"It is easy to play with Frank because he is such a good player. He knows what myself and Michael (Essien) have to do and whether we should be in an offensive or defensive position.
"I play a little bit behind him but I don't have to tell him what to do. He always does the right thing, depending on where myself and Essien are.
"Frank is one of the best players in the world for sure and I don't think there are many players in the Premier League like him."
Lampard has had another excellent season for Chelsea and is on course to break the 20-goal a season mark for the fourth consecutive year. The 30-year-old has also played a crucial role in his side's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League and the final of the FA Cup.