Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has enjoyed a mixed start to the new season at Stamford Bridge, after a promising debut campaign last year.
Defeat to champions Liverpool was followed a 3-3 draw against relegation favourites West Brom, a match in which Chelsea trailed 3-0 before snatching a point.
But the Blues got back to winning ways after beating Crystal Palace 4-0 before the international break, and Lampard will be hoping his side can build upon that performance when they host Southampton on Saturday.
One player who is set to return to the squad is Hakim Ziyech, with the midfielder yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues after suffering an injury in pre-season.
Ziyech's arrival from Ajax was confirmed in February and Lampard's influence in convincing the midfielder was laid bare when the Morocco international explained his decision to move to west London.
"I’ve been in contact with him [Lampard] for a few weeks now," Ziyech told Ajax’s official YouTube channel, after his move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed.
"At first, mainly by the phone. ‘We had a few long conversations about his approach, the playing style, the club, about me personally. And later on we texted quite a lot.
"In his time he was such a big player and he was a midfielder so I can learn a lot from him. In that regard, I have a lot to learn.
"I had a good feeling after our talks and that feeling only became stronger. There was no doubt in my mind."
Lampard's status as an icon across European football was also underlined by Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
Like Ziyech, the striker showed his admiration for the Chelsea boss by naming the Blues legend as the one retired player that he would have liked to have played with.
The 20-year-old forward joined Dortmund last season and has enjoyed a blistering start to his career in Germany, scoring 21 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions.
In quick-fire Q&A with ESPN, Haaland was previously asked who the one player he’d want to have played with that’s retired and replied: “Frank Lampard.”
