Frank Lampard discusses Donny van de Beek’s reaction at Everton after Manchester United difficulties
Frank Lampard has hailed Donny van de Beek’s ability to overcome the adversity he went through at Manchester United since arriving at Everton.
Despite barely featuring at Old Trafford since his £40million move from Ajax, the midfielder has hit the ground running at Goodison, with a standout display alongside Allan in his first start last weekend.
The Toffees overran Leeds to record a 3-0 win over the side directly above them in the Premier League table, displaying a match-ready ability that belied his lack of game time.
Speaking ahead of the visit to Southampton the Toffees boss said, via the Metro: “I’m really impressed… On a professional level, since speaking to him and coming and seeing him train and play, absolutely impressed with his fitness, his game sharpness.
“But when you watch him train it doesn’t surprise you.
“When I think back to the time he’s had at Manchester United, he’s a top level player.
“To have a tough time is not easy, there’s different ways of reacting. I’m sure it was tough, and he shows that if you keep your counsel, keep your head down and keep working in the right way, there’s always a way through it, and people will always respect you for that.
“Now hopefully there’s a chance for him to just show his talent on a regular basis, and that’s what I hope to see.”
Inspirational
Given the turmoil that had engulfed the club under Rafael Benitez, and the protracted nature of the managerial search that eventually lead to Lampard, the club were not operating from a position of power in the January transfer window.
There was an element of having to pick through the unwanted extras at rival clubs.
In van de beek and Dele Alli they have found two proven midfield performers who have fallen on hard times recently.
The risk is low but the reward is high on both moves, with the Dutchman a loan deal and the Englishman’s fee tied to how he performs at Goodison.
The stunning full-debut of the 24-year-old against Leeds suggests that the new manager pulled of a major coup by hijacking his proposed move the Crystal Palace.
If he can manage to keep that up it will be one of the signings of the season, and put the decision-making of the Red Devils to shame.
With the exception of the lowly defeat at Newcastle there has been a lot to be pleased with since the former Chelsea boss came in, and the signing and performance of the Manchester outcast ranks high on the list.
In other Everton news, the boss has shared his views on working with a director of football at Goodison.