Everton news: Lampard has already ‘fixed’ big ‘problem’ after Abdoulaye Doucoure update – pundit
Alan Hutton has insisted Frank Lampard has already “fixed” the midfield “problems” at Everton with the signing of Donny van de Beek.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland defender admitted the Toffees have struggled in the centre of the park due to several injury blows.
Speaking at his press conference on Monday (7 February), Frank Lampard confirmed Abdoulaye Doucoure is three to four weeks away from returning while Fabian Delph could be back in five weeks.
However, the new Toffees boss confirmed new signings Dele Alli and Van de Beek are in the squad for tonight’s game against Newcastle United.
Hutton insisted the Dutchman’s arrival on loan from Manchester United would help solve the issues the Toffees have suffered in midfield.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think midfield’s obviously been a problem, definitely. Injury-wise, Doucoure has been out for a while, Allan’s been out for a while, Delph has struggled for fitness.
“That has been a problem area for them. Also losing the likes of Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin at times didn’t help either.
“So to have the quality of Van de Beek coming into your squad not only lifts the squad but it makes them better. It gives you options.
“You can change formation, you can do whatever you want within that. I think Frank Lampard will be very, very happy. To come in on the last day and get Van De Beek and Alli in, he’ll be ecstatic.
“He’ll think that he can make them better and they can make the team better. So he’ll be very happy. It was a problem area but I definitely think they’ve fixed it.”
Lampard started Allan and Andre Gomes in midfield for the 4-1 FA Cup win over Brentford.
Van de Beek started four times in 14 appearances for Manchester United this season before joining Everton.
In other news, Everton plotting raid to sign Championship sensation.