Frank Lampard hails "really intelligent" Donny van de Beek amid hint over Everton role

Everton manager Frank Lampard sung the praises of new signing Donny van de Beek after the Dutch international impressed on his full debut for the club.

The midfielder made his debut from the bench in a defeat at Newcastle in midweek, but came in for Andre Gomes as Lampard's side beat Leeds United 3-0 at Goodison Park.

Van de Beek partnered Allan in a midfield pivot, a role which some at parent club Manchester United were unconvinced he could fill before the decision was made to send him out on loan.

And after the game, Everton's manager shed some more light on the future he sees for the former Ajax man, after acting quickly to bring him to Merseyside on loan on transfer deadline day.

Van de Beek played a part in the opener, with his low cross popping up off a Leeds defender for Seamus Coleman to head home, but his defensive work was no less notable.

He had struggled to displace Bruno Fernandes from an advanced midfield role at Old Trafford, with more than one manager reluctant to use him as a six alongside either Fred or Scott McTominay.

Lampard's view is different however, and he said he was not surprised by Van de Beek's ability to play in a deeper berth while suggesting he remains an option further forward.

"I sort of expected that, because I knew Donny as a player from the outside, brought him here because of his talents in terms of he can play, his intelligence, his work ethic, really intelligent and technical player," Lampard said.

“He was part of a really strong work-ethic kind of performance, he matched the other players in that sense, he gave us a sense of calm, he linked the play, looks confident on the ball and that’s exactly what I brought him here to do.”

“I think he can do different roles, and that