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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Adam Jones

How Frank Lampard's Everton could look with new transfer deadline day signings

Frank Lampard has been confirmed as Everton's new manager, and is now tasked with transforming the team's fortunes on the pitch.

The Blues have been in a dismal run of form over recent months winning just one of their last 14 matches in the Premier League, thanks to a stunning last-minute strike from Demarai Gray earning three points against Arsenal.

Those displays were enough to see Rafael Benitez sacked after just a few months at the helm at Goodison Park, with Duncan Ferguson unable to inspire the side to victory in his one match as temporary boss against Aston Villa.

On Monday, Lampard was announced as the club's new boss on a two-and-a-half year contract, before getting straight to work in securing two transfer deadline day recruits.

We've had a look at how a side managed by the former Chelsea and Derby County boss might look now that his squad for the rest of the season has been confirmed.

READ MORE: Farhad Moshiri first words after Everton appoint Frank Lampard as new manager

READ MORE: Frank Lampard first words as Everton manager as backroom team confirmed

Goalkeeper - Pickford

This is a position that hasn't changed over the course of the transfer window.

Jordan Pickford can probably count himself a little unfortunate to have been on the wrong end of many of Everton's results this season.

Often a defence making mistakes in front of him has left the goalkeeper in an unenviable position. He's making strong saves and putting in good performances, but he hasn't been able to affect results.

Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan are providing competent back-up for the rest of the campaign and keeping the England international in a comfortable position for now.

As long as mistakes in front of him improve, then Pickford will be able to keep his strong form going.

Defence - Patterson, Mina, Godfrey, Mykolenko

In terms of cutting out previous errors, that should start with the defence.

Lampard has developed something of a reputation for not just utilising young players whenever possible, and using energetic full backs to support the attack as well as defend.

Bringing Nathan Patterson into the side on a regular basis could be crucial in that sense, and getting the 20-year-old regular Premier League football should be a priority.

On the opposite flank, fellow January arrival Vitalii Mykolenko also needs a period to adapt to his new surroundings, but he remains the club's only out-and-out option in that position.

Yerry Mina has proven himself to be a very strong option for the Blues whenever he stays fit, and getting the most out of him for the rest of the campaign could be key to build a solid base from the back.

Next to him, Ben Godfrey playing in his natural position would be very promising for the remainder of the campaign, and hopefully that will be a useful partnership for the side to build.

Midfield - Allan, Van De Beek, Alli

A significant number of Everton fans have been desperate to see a change of style in midfield over recent weeks particularly.

The side has been overrun in that area of the pitch in too many matches having consistently only played two players in the centre of the pitch.

The hope for many is that Lampard will at least for the time-being switch to a 4-3-3 system to try and get the best out of the current squad of players.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, when fit, will certainly be key to that. He's been one of the club's strongest performers this term and his tactical nous and physical ability in multiple roles will be crucial.

Allan alongside him has often struck up a fantastic partnership with the Frenchman, especially at the beginning of the campaign, but has often worked better as part of a three.

But, with the former being injured for the next few weeks at least - it seems on an initial basis there could be an opportunity for Lampard to through Dele Alli straight into the mix.

The midfielder joined the Blues on a permanent transfer from Spurs late in the day, with Everton needing a deal sheet before getting the move over the line.

Next to him and Allan could well be the fellow deadline day addition of Donny van de Beek.

The Manchester United star didn't get much opportunity to flourish at Old Trafford, but his time at Ajax points to the exciting player that still lies beneath the surface.

Able to link-up play and make late runs into the box, his transfer could well be a smart piece of business for the Blues if they can help the Dutch international find his feet consistently once again.

Attack - Gray, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison

Everton's attacking line could realistically look very exciting for the remainder of the campaign in this system.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still finding full fitness of course, but has often proven himself more than capable of leading the line by himself in the Premier League.

With supporting runs from deep coming from the likes of Docuoure and Van de Beek, the striker could be given the opportunity to be a poacher once more.

From the flanks Everton do have a lot of talent, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and loan signing Anwar El Ghazi to consider in these roles.

But, for the time-being at least, Richarlison and Gray seem to be the leading choices.

The latter has been a fantastic addition to the squad and offers so many qualities that the side is desperate for - bags of pace, skill, determination, direct attacking football and intelligence.

On the opposite side, there are still those that argue Richarlison is most effective when coming in from the lank and supporting the attack.

With full backs potentially providing the width, that would allow both the Brazilian and Gray to be able to do this.

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