One of Frank Lampard’s opening gambits when being appointed Everton manager was a desire for his players to “enjoy the ball” but just who are the Blues’ pass masters? The message came in stark contrast to predecessor Rafael Benitez who declared after the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last December, “We are not amazing in possession. It’s a fact we have to realise.”
After Benitez was sacked in January after winning just one of his last 13 Premier League fixtures, Lampard himself subsequently had to deploy a significant amount of pragmatism during the run-in as Everton battled to retain their Premier League status with crucial 1-0 wins at Goodison Park against Manchester United and Chelsea achieved with possession statistics of just 32% and 22% respectively. However, with an entire pre-season ahead of his squad to prepare for his first full campaign in charge, the former Derby County and Chelsea boss could well be looking to develop how the Blues play.
This could require some fresh personnel in terms of potential new signings but who among the players that Lampard currently has at his disposal could be up to the task? Here’s an eye-opening look at the individual figures of those already in the Everton squad, using Comparisonator’s new Recruitment Shop tool.
