Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has hailed Frank Lampard as his Chelsea future continues to lay in doubt.
The 34-year old midfielder has been in fine form of late but it is still unknown if he will be handed a contract extension to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Ahead of the Latics' trip to Southwest London this weekend, Martinez feels Lampard's experience is an invaluable tool for Chelsea's youngsters and believes the club should keep on him.
"Experience is a big word and it is very difficult, in football terms, to describe it," said Martinez.
"Experience in football is one of the most important ingredients in a successful team. You need it during a game so you know what to expect, how to affect that game.
"Experience allows you to get positive results when you play well.
"That is something that Frank Lampard brings - he knows when to make forward runs, he knows when to score goals, when to stop games and when to affect players around him.
"Experience is very important to have in a squad but you need a happy balance.
"You cannot have a too ageing squad and you cannot have too young a squad but experience without legs doesn't take you anywhere and you need that bravery of youth surrounding experience."
