LONDON-Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted Frank Lampard was the best midfielder in the world after Chelsea had demolished Sunderland 5-0 at Stamford Bridge.Lampard scored the 100th league goal of his career with a second-half header, to go with an opening goal from Brazilian defender Alex and a hat-trick from Nicolas Anelka.
Sunderland manager Roy Keane was sent to the stands for the second half after remonstrating with referee Martin Atkinson in the tunnel at half-time.
But Chelsea manager Scolari tempered his disappointment at losing Ashley Cole with a first-half calf injury by revelling in the form of Lampard.
After Saturday’s Premier League win, Scolari said: “Lampard can score 150 goals in his career. One goal every two or three games is fantastic for a midfielder.
“I think this season we need to think who is the best in the world. It is Frank Lampard.”
Scolari also saluted Anelka, whose hat-trick, all from close-range, brought his tally this season to nine goals.
“Anelka has played more than in other seasons and he has more confidence now,” said Scolari, who revealed the Frenchman would start against Roma. “He tries his best in every game.”
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