James Milner, Antonio Valencia and Darren Fletcher - all chosen ahead of Lampard in his fellow professionals' team of the season - have their talents but if you asked 100 managers which midfielder they would prefer in their team you could reasonably expect a landslide victory for the Chelsea man.
Perhaps because he scores so many goals every year people forget what a rare talent Lampard possesses and this season he has surpassed even his own high standards.
Listed as one of Jose Mourinho's "untouchables" four years ago, Lampard continues to defy the cult of rotation.
This season he played in 36 of Chelsea's 38 league games, in all five rounds of the FA Cup as well as six Champions League games.
"He has scored more than 20 goals and has shown everything," said the Italian. "Strong character, he never misses a training session, he has played with consistency. I think he gets over eight out of 10 every time and I never give 10 out of 10."
Ray Wilkins, Chelsea's midfield maestro in the days when there was nobody to pass to, is also a huge admirer.
"When you see the goals Frank has scored and the level he has played to then you have to say he is world class," said Ancelotti's assistant.
"He has the ability to get forward but also the ability to get back and defend. He trains exactly the same as he plays and if there are any young kids listening to what I am saying about Frank, then this is the example to follow."
