His trainer Frank Lampard, among others, was lyrical about Van de Beek’s performance. The Englishman was particularly pleased with the former Ajax player’s ‘calmness, intelligence and work pace’. Van de Beek played the entire match and was involved in Seamus Coleman’s opening goal with a tight cross.
“I think he can play in different roles and that’s why I wanted him so badly,” said the 43-year-old coach. “He played today as one of the two controlling midfielders and has the talent to play between the lines. He also has a threat in front of goal, which was one of the main reasons for getting him.”
Compliments are also raining on social media for the Orange international, who will continue on the website of The Daily Mirror gets a separate piece after his strong match. †Donny delivers”, the newspaper headlines. “The former Ajax player made just as much of an impression with his defensive work as with his attacking contribution, in which no player could improve his three tackles in the first half.”
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Bee The Daily Mail there is talk of a true United blunder. “The club will wonder why on earth they have loaned Van de Beek to Everton,” it sounds. The Red Devils played a 1-1 draw at home against Southampton on Saturday.
Van de Beek (24) came on a rental basis from Manchester United on the last day of the winter transfer period. On the same day, Lampard’s arrival as Rafael Benitez’s successor was announced. Everton are 16th in the Premier League.