Lampard and Carrick - midfield starlets.

By Andy Schooler

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE

With just one full cap between them, these players have yet to make their mark on the international stage.

Lampard made his debut under Kevin Keegan in 1999 when starting against Belgium in a friendly but had to wait 16 months for his next cap which came in Sven-Goran Eriksson's first game in charge.

He has been a squad regular since, the exception being when he was dropped following an ill-advised drinking session at Heathrow in the wake of the September 11 atrocities in New York.

The 23-year-old came on in the recent friendlies against Holland and Sweden but a combined total of 17 mintues on the pitch gave him little chance to impress.

Like his former West Ham team-mate, Carrick has made his mark at under-21 level.

He has had little opportunity to transfer his impressive performances at that level to the senior side, having just two caps to his name - both as a sub against Holland at home and Mexico.

He did score the goal that put the under-21s into the European Championship finals, eliminating Holland in the play-offs.

Still has much to prove at the highest level though.

Lampard 6/10, Carrick 6/10.

FORM THIS SEASON

It has been a mixed start to Lampard's Chelsea career following his £11million summer move across London.

Playing in a side dogged by inconsistency, Lampard and his midfield partner Emmanuel Petit have come in for much of the criticism associated with that.

Has yet to stamp his authority on the Premiership in the way that many have expected since he burst on to the scene at Upton Park.

Carrick's season meanwhile has been dominated by injury setbacks.

He only recently returned from a four-month lay-off following a hernia operation which has given him little time to show his skills.

Made a solid start to the season despite poor form by the Hammers.

His World Cup chances will now depend very much on his performances over the closing weeks of the season.

Lampard 6/10, Carrick 6/10.

PACE

The quick-heeled Carrick comes out on top in this section.

Like team-mate Joe Cole, Carrick can put his foot down to go past players, adding a touch of trickery on the way.

Given that ability, it is perhaps surprising he does not get into the box too often.

Lampard is certainly no slouch and at 23 still covers ground fast.

But out of the blocks, Carrick would win this race.

Lampard 7/10, Carrick 8/10.

STRENGTH

Neither of these players is what you'd describe as a midfield powerhouse.

Indeed, Carrick's lightweight frame make him an easy target for even bustling journeymen. But it is something he will always have to endure during his career.

Lampard is bigger built and has the ability to hold off opponents better.

Also a tougher tackler, Lampard takes this category.

Lampard 7/10, Carrick 6/10.

SKILL

Not quite in the Joe Cole league, Carrick is nevertheless a tricky customer.

Fast feet are matched by a quick-thinking brain which can get the youngster out of some sticky situations and set up some fine attacking moves.

It is clear to see that he is out of the same academy as Cole.

Lampard is also a fine player with the ball at his feet and is capable of perplexing opponents.

Both are nimble on their feet, but Carrick just comes home in front.

Lampard 7/10, Carrick 8/10.

GOAL THREAT

Neither of these players is to be found regularly in front of goal with the ball at their feet.

However, one thing Lampard has shown at Chelsea is his fearsome strike power.

Lampard possesses a powerful shot which he has used to good effect when getting forward to support the front players at Stamford Bridge.

That makes him a real threat around the edge of the penalty area.

Carrick is less likely to produce a goal, but has shown he can be relied upon to put the ball away if given the opportunity.

Still, Lampard's shooting prowess means he just edges this category.

Lampard 7/10, Carrick 6/10.

TOTALS: Lampard 40, Carrick 40.

Sportinglife.com verdict:

It's a tough call between these two hopefuls.

Lampard seems more of an all-rounder, although whether that will be good enough to get him into the final sqauad remains to be seen.

If Sven-Goran Eriksson is looking for flair, he may well opt for the younger player who clearly does have an international future somewhere down the line.

In an area in which competition for places is hot, it may be that neither of these make the plane but they will certainly get more caps, of that you can be sure.