Dele Alli's appearance irrelevant to Frank Lampard

Everton manager Frank Lampard believes it would be detrimental to "handcuff" individual personalities like Dele Alli after his new signing came in for criticism over his appearance.

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle said the player looked like he had been "dragged off the street" when he was presented to the crowd at half-time of Saturday's FA Cup victory over Brentford.

Lampard, however, wants players to be themselves and express their individuality.

"I’ve heard some of the reaction and I have a lot of respect for everyone who has spoken, ex-players, people who I respect and admire in Ally McCoist, Alan Brazil, Glenn Hoddle – I would never go against their word," said Lampard.

"But when you are working closely with players and working with Dele, my personal opinion is that I don’t care what car he drives, what clothes he wears, as long as I get a lad that comes to training every day, wants to improve every day, respects the club, respects his team-mates and then produces and gives everything to produce.

"The modern day has moved on, it’s changed, we all have to be aware of that, and I’m not hitting back at any observation because everyone is allowed their own opinion but I can only deal with what is in front of me.

"And what I’ve just mentioned, that Dele and Donny are both great lads, I mean it.

"Maybe Donny wears an overcoat that is longer than Dele wears, and he has a different type of jacket, but it doesn’t bother me.

"As long as they produce on the pitch then I’m very happy. Everyone has their own individual personality and to try to handcuff or restrict that I think could be detrimental."

That does not mean, however, that Alli – or any player – will be given free rein on the pitch.

Lampard has a specific way of working and