Frank Lampard could transform Everton weakness into strength with approach for coach Thomas Tuchel fought for

Midway through the first half during Frank Lampard’s first Premier League game in charge, Evertonians got a glimpse into the work on the training ground that the new Blues boss was implementing. Already 1-0 up against Leeds United through Seamus Coleman’s diving header, the hosts were awarded a corner-kick in front of the Park End, which Anthony Gordon prepared to take.

It was unclear who the Everton home-grown hero’s out-swinging effort would be aimed for though as half of their outfield players were all standing in a row by the edge of the Yorkshire side’s penalty area. Richarlison was at the front of the queue was Mason Holgate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane and Coleman all behind him.

As the delivery came in from the right, the quintet split and with Leeds’ players unsure of what was going on and who to pick up, Keane took advantage of the confusion to double the Blues’ lead through a bullet header. It was a well-worked move, executed to perfection but perhaps just the tip of the iceberg to the potential that could lie ahead if Lampard is able to recruit another of his former charges.

Since being appointed at Everton on January 31 – transfer deadline day no less – the former Derby County and Chelsea manager has been busy ‘getting the band back together’ in terms of recruiting a tight-knit backroom staff from among his most-trusted lieutenants in his previous roles. While retaining Duncan Ferguson as a club icon who knows what makes things tick at Goodison Park, the 43-year-old has also drafted in Joe Edwards, his ex-number two at Stamford Bridge who retained the title under Thomas Tuchel, to also hold the position of assistant manager plus Ashley Cole, Paul Clement and Chris Jones as coaches.

Lampard knows