Frank Lampard: Were Chelsea right to let the Manchester City midfielder go?

As the Chelsea legend returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time this weekend we compare him against the current Blues midfielders

(Squawka)

Frank Lampard returns to Stamford Bridge this weekend and few would bet against him giving Chelsea a reminder of what they're missing.

Jose Mourinho opted not to offer the midfield a significant new deal and with that Lampard departed. But whilst it seemed he was destined to go abroad (he even agreed a deal with New York City FC) he returned at title rivals Manchester City.

Already this season the former England international has shown he can still perform at the top level, helping his new team to a draw against Chelsea with a late goal when they met at the Etihad.

That one point he earned City is one of 7 he has contributed to at his new club. He scored the winner against Leicester and also against Sunderland to ensure they remain in touching distance of Chelsea in the league.

Frank Lampard (Getty)

But would Lampard have managed to squeeze into the current Chelsea squad? With some help from Squawka, the statistics specialists, we've compared the Chelsea legend with the current crop that have managed to put the Blues on top of the table heading into Saturday's game.

Among the findings (top - click the image to enlarge) Lampard is only behind Hazard in the overall ratings and top in terms of minutes per goal, and shot accuracy.

Chelsea vs Manchester City kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday.