Juan Mata: ‘Amazing’ Frank Lampard leads by example at Chelsea

Juan Mata heaped praise on Frank Lampard after the Chelsea midfielder marked his 500th Premier League start with a goal in the Blues’ 8-0 thrashing of Aston Villa on Sunday.

Lampard, 34, netted Chelsea’s fourth in the 58th minute at Stamford Bridge as Rafael Benitez’s men reclaimed third spot in style with a stunning Premier League victory.

Mata has been thoroughly impressed by Lampard since he joined Chelsea from Valencia last summer and the Spaniard is backing the England international to further boost his tally during the rest of the season.

“Today’s match against Aston Villa was special because of the eight goals we scored and because it was Lampard’s 500th Premier League start,” Mata wrote on his blog.

“Getting to that mark is amazing, something that only a chosen few like Frank can afford.

“I’m very happy for him, he is a leading example in everything he does and I’m sure he will increase that number with many more games.”

Mata also hailed Chelsea’s character after the Blues bounced back from their Fifa Club World Cup final disappointment by beating Leeds in the Capital One Cup semi-finals and downing Villa in such style.

He added: “After our disappointment in Japan there was no choice but to stand up and carry on, and so we did with 13 goals in two games.

“Now we face Christmas time with confidence and willing to keep adding points.”