Frank Lampard: Manchester City should do all they can to keep the veteran midfielder

Frank Lampard is just one goal away from equalling Thierry Henry in the Premier League's all-time goalscoring record charts.

That's Thierry Henry, one of the most feared strikers that the Premier League has ever seen and a winner of no less than four Golden Boot awards.

Lampard, now 36, is due to end his loan spell at Manchester City in January and return to parent club New York City FC. However, after Lampard's performances this season, City manager Manuel Pellegrini appears keen in extending Lampard's stay in Manchester.

Pellegrini has been impressed with the former Chelsea man's attitude and influence since arriving at the Etihad. In Sunday's away win over second-placed Southampton, Lampard came on with 25 minutes remaining.

Not only did he score his fifth goal for City in all competitions, but Lampard's passing was perfect, never giving the ball away.

The City boss has continued to dodge questions regarding Lampard's future, saying: "We're going to have to make the best decision for him, the club, New York City, for everyone."

Opta-powered fantasy football game Oulala have collated Lampard's statistics (click picture at top to enlarge) from the Premier League season so far and the figures are impressive.

After scoring three goals in just 209 minutes of football, his strike rate against two of City's key midfield men, Yaya Toure and David Silva, is incomparable.

Lampard has hit the net 1.29 times per 90-minutes with Toure and Silva at 0.27 and 0.24.The midfielder has complimented his attacking contribution with a healthy return of tackles, clearances and interceptions.

In September, Lampard equalised against former club Chelsea, a goal that saw the Blues drop two vital points in their surge to a fourth Premier League title.

With Yaya Toure disappearing to the African Cup of Nations in January, Lampard staying could well be the cog required in Manchester City's fight against Chelsea for the Premier League title.