Frank Lampard believes Danny Welbeck needs to be more ruthless in front of goal to make the most of his Arsenal career.

Welbeck has hardly been the most prolific since joining Arsenal from Manchester United in 2014. Injuries are a big reason why. The 27-year-old has managed 80 appearances in four seasons at the club, and has had to deal with a couple of serious knee injuries.

Writing in the Evening Standard, Lampard believes that Welbeck has all the attributes to score more goals, but wonders if he’s ruthless enough.

“He has still scored 13 Premier League goals for Arsenal, which isn’t bad considering he has never had a regular run in the side,” he said.

“I like Danny as a player a lot. He has great strength and speed, with an ability to run in behind defences. But I look at his attributes and he should be a regular goalscorer when fit. 

“You wonder if Welbeck is ruthless enough in front of goal to do that. I played with some strikers that people called selfish and greedy but they have generally been the best because they always scored.

“It’s a trait you need as a striker if you’re going to find the net regularly. Maybe he doesn’t have that.”

His work rate and willingness to fill a number of roles make Welbeck a valuable member of the Arsenal squad, even if he frustrates in front of goal.

Arsene Wenger has often relied on him in bigger games, either to track back on the flanks or make runs in behind as a central striker.

He started this season well with three goals before he tweaked his groin in a 0-0 draw against Chelsea. Welbeck is now working his way back to full fitness and is in contention for a first-team place again.

He could start against BATE Borisov in the Europa League on Thursday night.