Centre mid – 98/99 Frank Lampard apps: 38, goals: 5 Vs 01/02 Joe Cole apps: 30, goals: 0 Vs 14/15 Mark Noble apps: 12, goals: 1
Having established himself as a key first-team player the previous season, academy graduate Frank Lampard’s game was going from strength-to-strength as he played in all 38 games of the 98/99 season, scoring five goals in the process. Still with his critics from the terraces for being known only as ‘Frank Lampard Junior’, 20-year-old Frank responded with a string of excellent performances, with his box-to-box play combining well with his catalogue of precise passing. His form for the Hammers earned him his first England cap which he picked up in October 1999.
Another famed academy alumna, Joe Cole (having made his debut in the 98/99 season) flourished during the 01/02 season. His trickery, creativity and technique on the ball brought comparisons to Paul Gascoigne and his talent was evident for all to see. A full England international at just 19, Joe had Hammers fans at the edge of their seats every time he possessed the ball and although he didn’t score a league goal that season, his dribbling opened up defences so that others could. The culmination of Joe’s season saw him called into the England squad for the 2002 World Cup.
Completing a trio of youth products, Mark Noble had come into the 2014/15 season off the back of collecting his second Hammer of the Year award and the Player’s Player Award. The tenacious midfielder this season surpassed Steve Potts record to become the club’s highest league appearance holder (now at 206 appearances) and his unswerving loyalty has manifested itself into his all action style of play. He has also been afforded more time on the ball with the protection of Song behind him enabling him to show his technical ability with the ball as well as his enthusiasm without it. Suffering a heart-breaking penalty miss against Tottenham on the opening day of the season has not discouraged Mark from playing with his heart on his sleeve.
My pick: Frank Lampard.
Ashley…the guy has been with us for 5 minutes…how on earth can you even think about comparing him to the Bonds, Brookings, and Devonshires ???? Come back to me in five years when he has stuck with us through thick and thin and played 250 games then we can begin to talk.