Frank Lampard has hinted that former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo is partly responsible for his successful transition into a deep-lying playmaker.
The Blues vice-captain, who scored his 200th goal for the club in the derby win over West Ham United, spent many seasons as the attack-minded figure in Chelsea's midfield.
Due to his age and the wealth of creative talents at the disposal of the European champions, the 34-year-old is now operating in a more defensive position.
Lampard has still netted 14 times for Chelsea this season and he believes that Di Matteo, who was in charge at Stamford Bridge from March to November 2012, helped him adapt to his new role.
"With experience you can play the deeper role and try to arrive at just the right time, a bit less often but with a bit more effect," Lampard said.
"I think I probably learned to play this way when Di Matteo came in in the run-up to the Champions League final. I've developed a bit more and now I'm able to play deeper and still arrive in the area."
Lampard is in the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro this Friday and next Tuesday respectively.
Joe Fish
