LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

‘Lot of qualities’: Van de Beek feels Everton have a young star at the club

Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12:  Anthony Gordon of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on February 12, 2022 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Donny van de Beek has told EvertonTV that Frank Lampard has a good but young talent in Anthony Gordon after being impressed by the winger’s efforts since joining him at Everton.

Lampard handed Van de Beek a fresh start in the Premier League by sealing a deadline day loan from Manchester United. The Dutchman had seldom featured at Old Trafford since his £40m move from Ajax in 2020 with just 27 appearances, of which he also only started four.

Van de Beek has already played twice and started once for Everton after opening their win over Leeds on Saturday. Gordon, likewise, opened the action at home to the Whites, while rounding out the scoring for his third top-flight goal of the campaign over 19 outings so far.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Donny Van De Beek of Everton gestures during the Premier League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on February 12, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Gordon’s prior league strikes this term came during a 3-2 loss to Brighton in Rafa Benitez’s penultimate fixture in charge. The 20-year-old had never previously found the net during a top-flight fixture following his debut under Carlo Ancelotti as a substitute in January 2020.

The Blues product has now amassed 33 league outings, starting 16, split with a loan spell at Preston last season. He also failed to net at Deepdale over 11 Championship appearances.

Gordon standing out to Van de Beek since Everton arrival

Lampard may discover a strong partnership with Gordon on Everton’s left-wing and Van de Beek in a central role. The latter added vision to the engine room against Leeds and helped set the pace. Seamus Coleman also struck from his cross, despite Pascal Struijk’s efforts.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Donny van de Beek of Everton battles for possession with Mateusz Klich of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on February 12, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

The former, meanwhile, proved a constant threat at the weekend and also assisted Michael Keane with a delightful cross. He came close to scoring after just 65-seconds, as well. But Luke Ayling got just enough of the ball to divert the strike into the arms of Illan Meslier.

Gordon’s efforts against Leeds, his work in training and at Newcastle last week have greatly impressed Van de Beek. The Dutchman now feels Lampard has a rising star on his hands.

“He is a good player,” Van de Beek said. “A young player but from what I have seen in the first weeks, he has a lot of qualities and he showed those against Leeds.”