‘Aura’ – Ex-Chelsea defender on Frank Lampard, and talks with Aston Villa and Newcastle United men
Frank Lampard had two spells as manager of Chelsea after a glittering playing career. (Image: Brian Minkoff London-Pixels/Wikimedia Commons)
Former Chelsea defender Dynel Simeu has described feeling Frank Lampard’s “aura” during his time training under the club legend, as he prepares for a potential Champions League debut.
Simeu was just 18 when he was named as an unused substitute by Lampard for Chelsea’s Round of 16 clash with Bayern Munich.
Six years on, the 24-year-old centre-back is now poised for his first taste of Europe’s top competition (in the qualifying rounds), with his new club The New Saints set to face Azerbaijani champions Sabah on Tuesday.
Signed from Southampton for a seven-figure fee, Simeu went on to make 67 appearances across Chelsea’s age-grade sides. Looking back, he says working under Lampard left a lasting impression.
Time at Chelsea
“Frank Lampard is someone whose aura you felt in training,” he said.
“When he spoke, you listened. Especially knowing how much of a legend he was at the club at Chelsea at the time. He demanded really high standards.
“It’s even better when a manager has played before because they can relate to you and you can relate to them.
“Seeing how he communicates with the players, and even at his age, he joined in and showed you the technique when it’s not necessarily about strength and power and stuff. It was amazing, really.”
Embed from Getty ImagesWorld Cup best wishes to Aston Villa and Newcastle United stars
Simeu also reflected on the strong bond formed between players who came through Chelsea’s academy system together, as well as those he represented England alongside at youth level.
He progressed from Under-15 to Under-18 level with the Three Lions, working under former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper, and shared early career experiences with a group of players now making their mark on the global stage.
Several of his former teammates have featured at or are involved in the FIFA World Cup. Before heading to the United States, Simeu reached out to England star Morgan Rogers, who recently lifted the UEFA Conference League with Aston Villa.
His wider circle also includes James Trafford, Noni Madueke, and Tino Livramento, who was initially named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad before withdrawing through injury.
It is not just former teammates, either. Simeu also came up against Anthony Elanga during his Manchester United days, before the winger went on to score for Sweden at a major tournament.
“Whether it was for England or at club level, I’m in contact with a few of them,” he said.
“Even from other nations. I’m proud of them. Some of them are some of my good friends. If anything inspires me to keep pushing was we all played together at some point. We talk from time to time.
“I’ve sent out a few messages; I’m still waiting on replies. There are a few boys out there, and they’re doing great. I spoke to Morgan Rogers before the tournament, and I wished him luck. I saw Elanga (Anthony’s goal for Sweden, and I dropped him a message.”
(Featured Image: Brian Minkoff London-Pixels)
