Frank Lampard insists Everton’s January signings can have a big impact this season as he called on his players to replicate the passion of the fans at Goodison Park.
Transfer deadline day recruits Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek both came off the bench to make their debuts in Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United and while Lampard conceded he’d been forced to turn to them both earlier than he might have hoped, he believes the pair will benefit from it.
He said: “I thought they both did ok. I think with Dele there will be moments he’ll be disappointed with but I think there were flashes of Dele as we see him and know him and I think that’s understandable.
“We had two injuries in the first half – big injuries in terms of the game – which affected by hand as such.
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“I probably didn’t want to have to give Dele so many minutes for his first appearance but he handled them well physically and that’s an important fact and he’ll be better for that performance.
“Donny, again I was affected in terms that it was the third sub, he came on at a difficult time and I thought he showed some really nice bits of midfield play and his comfort on the ball. He’s shown that in training as well.
“I’m pleased that one’s out of the way for them personally and they’ll get better for it.”
A couple of Everton’s other recruits from last month are yet to take to the field.
Full-back Nathan Patterson arrived from Rangers for an initial £11.5million – a club record sale for the Scottish champions – but is yet to feature.
Lampard said: “I’ve been impressed with Nathan. It’s not been easy to be fair to the players, they need to train well because we like to be intense in training but when you can’t see them match play.
“I’ve seen bits of Nathan previously but with the situation we’re in my duty is to make sure we develop young players and find the right times for them to play and so far in two games that hasn’t been the right time but I’m very pleased to work with him.
“People think I love sticking young players in my teams – I do when they deserve it.
“I’m not saying that he doesn’t deserve it but at the minute he’s in a position where the captain of the club Seamus Coleman has been so impressive since I’ve been here, and obviously for a long time at the club, so he needs to work, he needs to continue developing.
“The club have signed him for the future as well as the now. I’ll work with Nathan closely – as will my staff – as we do with the young players in particular, and when he gets his opportunity I just want to see him take it.”
Also yet to make his bow, is Anwar El Ghazi, on loan from Aston Villa.
Lampard said: “I think he can offer. He couldn’t play against Brentford, he was cup-tied, and he was on the bench against Newcastle.
“He’s a talented player. I know that from going up against him as a coach, from seeing him from afar.
“It’s an area in which we do have personnel in wide and attacking areas so at times all of the players in those areas will have to understand they have to wait for their time, come on and have an impact in games or start games and impact them.
“They’re slightly under pressure but that’s a good pressure, that’s not a bad thing.
“He has a slightly different skill set to some of our other players in that area. He’s very good one v one.
“With Anwar it’s my first time working closely with him, he’s training with us, he’s been involved and he can hopefully have an impact for us.”
Have spoken about the importance of the crowd for his team at Goodison Park, Lampard was also asked about his thoughts on the fans attempting to create a special atmosphere against Leeds United.
He said: “It’s hugely important and we should never just expect that’s taken for granted.
“When I hear things like that and I know what that will do to the players, then that’s what makes it such a special club.
“I knew it from afar but I’ve found that out already in the nearly two weeks I’ve been here, how much the fans support and how much it’s their life and their passion.
“The players have to replicate that in their performances, they have to play with energy and if we work together in that sense we’ll be so much stronger.
“So I appreciate that and it’s up to us to do our side of the job.”
