Lampard says he is enjoying 'best season'

(GETTY IMAGES)

It is rare indeed that Peter Kenyon is proved right in his predictions concerning the future at Chelsea but events have born out his prophecy made last year that agreeing a five-year deal with Frank Lampard "could well turn out to be our best signing of the summer".

Lampard, 30, signed a £140,000 a week contract after Chelsea turned down a £10m bid from Jose Mourinho's Internazionale and he has responded by producing what he believes has been the finest form of his life. "I think it has been my best season," Lampard said. "Over the course of the season different things have cropped up, and as a group we've had some ups and downs but personally I'm very pleased with the way I've been playing.

"Hopefully my 30s can be my best years," he added. "I'm more experienced, more aware of how to play the game and how to manage myself in between games."

Lampard (left) has developed this season into a more complete player. Where once he would shoot on sight, now he is more concerned with doing whatever is most likely to lead to a goal. For instance, he scored twice in last week's Champions League 4-4 epic with Liverpool, and then provided two exquisite passes to set up both goals in Saturday's 2-1 win over Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final.

Lampard said: "I'm still scoring goals – I've got 19 and hope to get 20-odd again. But I'm getting more assists for sure. In the last few games the manager's given me license to play much nearer Didier Drogba, which gives me much opportunity to slip him and other people in and also get into the box myself. That's what I mean by experience. I'm pleased with the way I've assisted people. If you can make two assists like I did on Saturday you don't get the glory, but you get the win."