Everton: 3 roles Donny van de Beek can play under Frank Lampard at Everton

Donny van de Beek can operate as an 8 in the Everton setup

2. As a free floating 8 in 4-3-3

If Bruno Fernandes can do it under Ralf Rangnick at United, Van de Beek can pretty sure do it too at Everton. There is misconception that the Dutchman can only operate as a No.10. However, the myths can be quashed as Van de Beek seems equally comfortable and effective while playing as an 8.

Playing as a free floating 8 will allow Van de Beek the positional freedom to surge forward while not being bound to remain a distributor or provide the support to the defensive midfielder. If the former Ajax man is told to play as a distributor, he can do so but that will lead to an eventual compromise on Van de Beek’s greatest virtue, creating and scoring goals by providing attacking threat near the opposition box.

4-3-3 is another formation that Lampard heavily used during his time at Chelsea. In fact, 4-3-3 was his most used formation as it gave Lampard’s side much needed midfield presence during the transitions. Everton have been struggling for man presence during transitions which is why the midfield is often being overrun and dominated by the opposition.

Rarely do we see the midfield duo of Allan and Doucoure winning the midfield battle collectively against smart opposition. Playing a midfield three solves the problem. Playing Van de Beek in that role adds vigour and goal-scoring threat to a certain degree.