When Chelsea released midfielder Frank Lampard, very few people ever expected to see him continue playing at the top-level, especially in the Premier league. So when Manchester City unveiled the signing of Lampard in the summer, on a loan deal from New York City FC, also owned by Manchester’s Sheikh Mansour, there were many left wondering what role Lampard would play.

Lanpard, at 36 years of age is no spring chicken, and no longer the player he once was. But it is clear from what we have seen that the veteran still has plenty to offer, and isn’t quite ready to just call time on his career yet. His performances so far, for the defending champions have left the Etihad faithful calling for an extension to be added to his deal, something that manager Manuel Pellegrini hasn’t ruled out either.

The Englishman has always been known for his goal scoring ability for both club and country, and evidently he hasn’t lost his shooting boots with age. The former Football Writers Player of the Year has managed to find the back of the net six times already this season, four of them coming in the league, all with limited game time. A feat that can’t be overlooked, even managing to clinch his side a crucial point by scoring against former club Chelsea earlier on in the year.

It is not just Lampard’s goals that have allowed him to become such a crucial element to City’s campaign, but also his on the pitch performances. It is clear that the former England international hasn’t lost his ability to read the game to perfection, or pick out a pass through the eye of a needle accurately. This all whilst still managing the box-to-box role he is known for.

All this put together, coupled with the fact that he will undoubtedly be playing a large role in the dressing room, providing an experienced mind that will be able to teach and guide some of the club’s younger stars, making him a fantastic asset to the City squad. Lampard knows his role, he is no longer the certified starter, but now more the impact sub, or the experienced vetera used to sure things up, Lampard has become a squad player.

Has he lost much of his pace? Without a doubt. Has his stamina and ability to be a 90 minute man regularly decreased? Certainly. But Lampard is still managing to put in quality performances and give his all, when called upon. Something that many did not expect of him this season, perhaps proving to be City’s best signing of the summer, given the fact he cost the club nothing.

However, the fact remains that Lampard’s current deal at the club is running out, and unless he resigns he will return across the pond after January. With the MLS preseason beckoning, the rumors will surely begin to rise about where his future truly sits. Will Lampard extend his contract and finish out the Premier league season with City, in an attempt to hold the title one more time, or will the chance for a brand new adventure lure him back to the New York, and the club he originally signed for?

That will remain to be seen, but one thing is for sure, whether his career at Manchester City is coming to an end, or this is just the beginning of a new chapter in his career, he has certainly offered the champions plenty, and has truly been the perfect squad player.