Former Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has had the opportunity to work with some of the best footballers in the world.
After managing the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Benitez had the privilege of coaching some top players.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, the 65-year-old was not always appreciated, largely because of his connections to Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Liverpool.
However, that has not stopped him from sharing his appreciation for one Chelsea legend.
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard celebrating
Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images
Rafael Benitez picks Frank Lampard over Wesley Sneijder
Frank Lampard and Wesley Sneijder are two of the most talented footballers that Benitez has ever managed.
However, when asked to choose between Lampard, Sneijder and Napoli legend Marek Hamsik, Benitez picked the former England star.
Benitez was assembling an XI of the best players he has worked with, and Lampard made the cut for the attacking midfielder position.
The Spaniard is one Chelsea manager who has been able to win European silverware for the club, with Enzo Maresca being the latest.
Under Maresca, Chelsea were able to win the Conference League last season. Benitez was spotted at Stamford Bridge during one of their games in the competition.
While he was in charge of the club, they managed to get their hands on the Europa League.
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez holding Europa League trophy
Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images
Frank Lampard’s record under Rafael Benitez
Lampard had a pretty good record under Benitez. In total, he made 38 appearances and scored 14 goals.
In the 2012/13 season, as well as winning the Europa League, Chelsea also managed to finish third in the Premier League table and reach the FA Cup semi-finals. Without Lampard’s contribution, the first two things certainly would not have been possible.
Frank Lampard under Rafael Benitez Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 22 12 1
Europa League 7 0 4
FA Cup 4 2 0
League Cup 3 0 1
Club World Cup 2 0 0
Total 38 14 6
Via Transfermarkt
Like Benitez, Lampard is now a manager himself and doing an extremely good job at Coventry City.
Under him, Coventry are yet to lose a league game this season. Keep this up, and it may not be too long until Lampard is managing in the Premier League again.