Michael Ball has slammed Everton and Frank Lampard in his column for the Liverpool Echo after securing transfers for Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek during a ‘relegation dogfight’.
The Toffees struck deadline beating deals for Alli and Van de Beek in January on the day of hiring Lampard. He sought to take both to Goodison Park to improve the engine room that Rafa Benitez had left behind and which injuries had decimated during the Spaniard’s reign.
Lampard had identified the former Tottenham Hotspur ace and Manchester United loanee as potential targets before his official appointment. The Daily Mail also noted he spent the weekend before replacing Benitez convincing chairman Bill Kenwright to sign Van de Beek.
Alli was another target whom Lampard named in his interview with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri, per The Sun. He stated from an early stage that the midfielder was among his top targets. The Toffees eventually sealed a free transfer, which can rise to as much as £40m.
Ball slams Lampard, Everton for transfers as Dele Alli, Van de Beek ‘let them down’
Alli is yet to establish himself as a key figure under Lampard after his first six appearances for Everton. Each outing has also been from the bench, totalling 169-minutes, and the 25-year-old is yet to score or assist. Three of his outings have also been less than 20-minutes.
Likewise, Van de Beek has featured in all six of Everton’s Premier League fixtures since his loan transfer from Manchester United. The Dutchman has even started five, but is also yet to score or assist. He has also often struggled to interlink play like he was signed to offer.
Alli and Van de Beek’s performances in royal blue anger Ball, who questions Everton and Lampard for their mid-season transfers. Especially having moved to Merseyside while the Toffees are battling relegation, and have so far only helped to one win amid five defeats.
“Whoever brought Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek to the club during a relegation dogfight needs to give their head a wobble,” Ball wrote. “We need players who are going to compete, battle and show real desire to move us away from the relegation zone.
“Unfortunately for Everton supporters when the going gets tough, these players let them down and that is exactly what they did on Sunday. That was the most frustrating part.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
