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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

Everton fans rave over Donny van de Beek as Manchester United supporter makes 'McFred' point

Everton secured a vital home win against Leeds United this afternoon with a much-improved performance, but there was one player that fans have been raving about.

First half headers from Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane, and an Anthony Gordon goal 12 minutes from time secured the Blues all three points in a result that moves Frank Lampard's side away from the relegation zone and just a point behind their Yorkshire opponents.

But making his first start in a Blue shirt, Donny van de Beek - on loan from Manchester United - put in an all action performance that had the Goodison faithful purring.

PLAYER RATINGS: Donny van de Beek and four others sensational against Leeds

REACTION: What Blues fans sang after 15 minutes shows Donny van de Beek truth

The 24-year-old Dutch midfielder provided the cross that led to Coleman's opener and went on to complete 23 out of 27 passes in the first half, making three tackles, seven recoveries and winning all three aerial duels he contested in an all-action opening 45 minutes.

The new crowd favourite continued his high performance levels after the break but required treatment after taking a smack in the mouth - thankfully nothing worse.

That didn't stop him from finishing the match with 89% pass accuracy - eventually completing 34 passes out of 38.

Van de Beek's showing - that had the crowd singing his name after only quarter of an hour - was one of many positives for Everton on the day.

Here's a selection of what fans, journalists and ex-players have been saying on Twitter:

TalkSPORT commentator Matt Jones said: "Big win for #EFC who start to increase that gap down to the bottom three.

"Electric first half & managed the game brilliantly after the break. Anthony Gordon terrific and very impressive showing from Van de Beek. Leeds nullified in attack & too open at the back".

Supporter @JohnnySouthern said: "Donny van de Beek was a level above everyone else there."

While @SamG_9 said: "Van de Beek ran the show. Kenny, Iwobi, Gordon also exceptional. Win and first clean sheet in 12. Get in!!!"

@DaveFrance1985 added: " @Donny_beek6 you were superb today, you have everything to be very special to this club, we loved the performance today".

@duncfergie9 Tweeted: "Van de Beek's influence in that cannot be underestimated. Happy to receive the ball under pressure and hardly loses it. And just on the eyeball test, at least 6 out of 10 passes look progressive."

It wasn't just Evertonians who were weighing in on his outstanding performance either.

Perhaps with a shred of envy, Manchester United supporter @marcloboda said: "Well would you look at that. Donny van de Beek finally gets 90 minutes in the Premier League and he’s arguably MOTM in a 3-0 win for a struggling Everton team. And we’re left here with McFred until the end of the season."

Evertonian @ElisLongstaff Tweeted: "Donny Van De Beek mate. Gonna be a sad day when he goes back to United."

@foggyfoy added: "Donny Van de Beek. Now that’s a talent. How have we got him?!"

*Give us your player ratings:

And @MichaelSwan98 said: "Whoever said never fall in love with a loan player has never seen Donny Van De Beek strutting round Goodison flying into tackles".

Finally, Blues fan @JayMagee6 has seen enough of the Dutchman in 90 minutes to make his move to Merseyside permanent.

He said: "Get that contract out. Get Donny van to sign whatever number he wants. Sign the contract big boy @Donny_beek6."

Judging by the reaction across the social network, Van de Beek simply couldn't have made a better start to his time at Everton and supporters cannot wait to see him in action again.

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