Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has admitted that he prefers to play as a box-to-box-type midfielder after making his first start for Everton on Saturday.
The Dutchman, following a difficult time at Old Trafford this season, joined the Goodison Park club on loan for the remainder of the season on transfer deadline day, in pursuit of more regular first-team football.
After stepping off the bench in the Toffees' 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park last Tuesday evening to make his debut, Van de Beek made his first start for his temporary employers at the weekend, starting in central-midfield alongside Allan as they beat Leeds United 3-0 at Goodison Park.
Although he failed to mark his home debut with a goal, the former Ajax man did mark the occasion by playing a key role in right-back Seamus Coleman's opener.
Deployed in the centre of midfield in a 4-4-2 formation, Van de Beek was tasked with both defensive and attacking duties, meaning it is a role that should suit him down to the ground moving forwards, as he looks to spark his career back into life.
Van de Beek told Everton TV : "I think I can play in different positions and I like to play in the Premier League as a number eight, box-to-box.
The manager wants me to bring some quality with the ball, to link-up in midfield. He expects a lot from me and I expect a lot from myself.
"I am really happy with the first two weeks."
Although he stored an invaluable 90 minutes under his belt, the Dutchman, who will be hoping his loan spell at Everton bolsters his chances of working his way back into the Netherlands squad ahead of the World Cup later this year, has admitted that he was struggling towards the end of the contest.
"I am really happy to play 90 minutes, but in the last 20 minutes I felt it was a long time ago that I played a full game and I was a little bit tired," added the midfielder. "But now I can make steps.
"I think I can help the team but still there is space for improvement. I was sharp, took many balls and made some good decisions on the ball – but I am always critical and always can do better.
"I am happy to play my first game – but it is not about me, it is about winning games for the Club and the team and I am here to help."
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