Scholes and Ryan Giggs have shown the world that age is just a number, and at 33 Frank Lampard is several years their minor and his recent form, replicating his halcyon days when he was dubbed the ultimate box-to-box midfielder, would suggest he is far from over the hill, unfortunately however he is not the proclaimed "marathon man" that made 160 consecutive league appearances and Chelsea must find a replacement for him. Ramires, our other box-to-box midfielder, has exhibited excellent form this season, arguably being our top performer this campaign, however to categorise him in the same bracket as Lampard is wrong, Ramires is stronger running with the ball and acting as the engine of the midfield whilst Frank excels in delivering the cutting pass and executing set pieces.

Many linked Josh Mceachran to be Frank's successor and whilst he demonstrated signs of brilliance in several cameo appearances for Chelsea in the 2010/11 campaign, his loan to Swansea has proved somewhat ineffective as he has been sadly reduced to a bit-part player in Brendan Rodger's side (although his absence can be attributed to the combined brilliance of Sigurðsson, Dyer and Sinclair). Perhaps a loan spell elsewhere next season will really get the best out of Josh but for now he is not ready to step into Frank's shoes.

The next option is the transfer market: do we break the bank and go for Wesley Sneijder, a set piece wizard with superb vision enhanced by his ambidexterity. However Sneijder would cost a monumental fee (turning heads of the instigators of the UEFA Fair Play Rules) and has been criticised for his short stature and inability to recapture form (a crucial trait in order to be compared with Lampard).

Chelsea should, albeit in my opinion, should pursue the signature of Newcastle's consistent and excellent performer Yohan Cabaye. The 26 year old Frenchman exhibits excellent vision (his assist in Newcastle's 3-0 win over Stoke City to find Cisse even out shun his brace), he can take a set-piece, (this point is fondly supported by his sublime 30 yard free kick in Newcastle's 3-0 romp over Manchester United), and has showed consistency throughout the season. Cabaye wouldn't be cheap, costing a fraction of the price of Sneijder or Kaka however. The ex-Lille midfielder will be hot-property come this transfer window and whoever decides our transfers would be stupid not to consider his signature.

Super Frank has shown no signs of wanting to retire, recently indicating he''ll take a leaf out of Giggs' and Scholes' book and play for however long possible. Until then, Chelsea must use their resources to find his ultimate successor, hopefully Cabaye.

Come on you Blues,

Harry