Manchester City should try keeping influential Frank Lampard for a longer time

New Delhi: Former Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has been decisive in Manchester City's plan and so far has catered to the needs of manager Manuel Pellegrini. The impact player was the sort City needed and Lampard has set it to perfection.

Manuel Pellegrini's decision to loan him from City's sister club New York City FC has proved to be a big advantage, given the effectiveness he has had for the champions.

Lampard has made nine appearances for City this season in the Premier League and has scored three goals and an assist. He scored the equaliser against Chelsea at the Etihad and was influential against Southampton when he scored a peach of a goal in their 3-0 away win. Both goals have been important in different ways for City.

Lampard is due to return to USA to ply his trade in the MLS in January. Meanwhile, City will make a decision soon this month on Lampard's situation in order to see the benefit of all parties involved. City should bat for an extended spell for the 36-year-old and keep him for a longer period.

Pellegrini is a happy man and had recently applauded Lampard's peformance. It is time that City extract the most out of him till the time Lampard is at Manchester and the next few days will be interesting to see what decision is made involving the former Chelsea legend.