Rafael Benitez pays tribute to Frank Lampard

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has praised midfielder Frank Lampard for his recent form following the club's Europa League triumph.

Lampard, who recently became the club's all-time top goalscorer, was key during the Blues' 2-1 win over Benfica in the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday that helped them secure their second European trophy in as many years.

The 34-year-old is yet to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge, but Benitez insists that the England international can carry on playing beyond the end of the season.

"He has worked hard in every training session and now, at the end, I think we could see he has improved," said Benitez.

"Some people were surprised when I said that but he has scored a lot of goals in this period. Maybe it was because we were managing him quite well.

"When you play two games a week, with his age and commitment, sometimes you are not fresh. You can see he still has a lot of football. He is fit and next year he will do well again."

Chelsea host Everton on Sunday.