Everton boss Frank Lampard has heaped praise on Donny van de Beek following his performance in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Leeds United.
Goals from Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane and Anthony Gordon secured the Toffees their first league win since early December and Van de Beek, the Manchester United loanee, was instrumental in what Lampard described as a “special” display.
The Dutchman made just two league starts across 2021 but his deadline day switch to Goodison Park promised a more prominent role and in his first start he excelled.
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“I expected that,” Lampard said of Van de Beek’s impact.
“I knew Donny as a player from the outside and I brought him here because of his talent in terms of his play, his intelligence and his work ethic. He’s a technical player but he matched the other players for work ethic.
“He gave us a sense of calm and he linked the play. He looked confident on the ball and that’s exactly what I brought him here to do.”
On Everton’s performance as a whole, Lampard said: “It was nice! An incredible afternoon. What we did today was something special in terms of the performance. It showed an attitude, aggression and work rate.
“The fans, when they see what the players are putting into the game… What they give us. It has to be the start.
“I can see the talent. Individually you go through the team and there’s ability in there. It was about being a strong unit and fighting for the fans.
“You have to be solid against Leeds. It was a great reaction, the fans would have enjoyed it – I certainly did. We need to use it for a base for where we want to go in the league.
“Relief is three points and the table looks slightly better this week but I’m just so proud of the performance. I haven’t seen a performance like that in the first half for, pfft… That has made me really happy. We need to build.
“I’ve been here for two weeks. The fans love this club with a passion. When you’re here you understand it’s their life and how much it means to them. We can do a lot here.”
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