Lampard Backs Deco To Come Good For Chelsea

The Pressure is building at Stamford Bridge and scapegoats are being sought. Didier Drogba has reportedly been lambasted by colleagues, who view him as a prima donna, while Deco is said to have stirred up resentment due to his good relationship with Luiz Felipe Scolari.

And of course, boss Scolari himself has come in for criticism. Deco pleaded for more time to be given to Scolari on Thursday, but the Portuguese midfielder is the one who finds himself receiving a vote of confidence on Friday.

Frank Lampard has moved to back the midfield maestro, whose form has been patchy after a bright start to life in the Premier League following his move from Barcelona in the summer.

Comparing Deco to Stamford Bridge legend Gianfranco Zola and predicting good things for Deco and the Blues in 2009, Lamps told the Daily Telegraph: "He's a top player. Like all of us, in the last few games, we haven't played at our top level.

"People have to stick with Deco, though, because he can make something special happen. He has that Zola thing about him where he can find a pass.

"At the moment they are not all coming off but when they do he could be the key that helps unlock the door in home games.

"Okay, he's not going through his best time at the minute, but he'll come good. He's come from La Liga and it's different here - quicker and more physical. It's not easy."

One cannot help but wonder who'll back Lampard tomorrow morning!

Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com