Frank Lampard hopes Everton's summer signings have brought a blend of experience and potential that will strengthen the club in both the short and long term.
The Blues appeared to adopt a two-pronged approach to business this summer, moving for players who had operated in the Premier League before and could immediately have an impact, as well as younger stars who could grow under their direction.
Two themes underpinned those younger signings - the hope their potential could be quickly accessed and the strength of character Lampard believes is crucial to laying the foundation for a better future.
READ MORE: Inside Everton's transfer window after eight signings, two 'sagas' and one brutal turning point
READ MORE: Everton defender James Tarkowski sends Darwin Nunez message ahead of Liverpool clash
Much has been made of the leadership qualities of James Tarkowski and Conor Coady, the 29-year-old centre back signings with impressive fitness records and who can be heard bellowing instructions as they organise those around them. In front of them, Everton now have two more leaders at the beginning of their senior careers. Amadou Onana and James Garner, both 21, have captained youth sides during their rise into first team football and Lampard said it was no coincidence the young stars he had signed had strong characters.
He said: "I can feel already the experienced players, their input is showing straight away. The younger players are going to grow but are showing personality straight away. That is part of the recruitment process and then, when you get them in and you feel it, then you can feel whether the place feels like it is going in the right direction. It can be as important as the football side."
Lampard is confident progress is being made and believes the summer transfer window has been a success. He has secured eight signings with director of football Kevin Thelwell and addressed key issues over squad depth and resilience as the pair sought to rebuild the muddled machine they inherited. While the summer months saw the sale of talisman Richarlison, keeping hold of starlet Anthony Gordon was a crucial success for a manager who views him so highly.
Asked for his reflection on the summer, Lampard said: "I think the important point of the summer was probably staying up in May, and before that we had very much considered between myself and Kevin and the chairman, the board, the owner: Where do we want to go if we stay up? That was, unfortunately, the question at the time.
"So a lot of the thought process was made at that point. It is not an easy window the end of May, June, July, early August when it doesn't end until September because a lot of people sit tight until the end and then you start to play games and your focus moves elsewhere, so generally I am really pleased with the business that we have done and I suppose if we look at the window I can look now and I can talk about the contrast of experience that will really help us now and effect us now, on and off the pitch, and then potential - and it is not potential that is 'wait five years', it is potential that will play now and get better and that's what we wanted.
"As the players came in, people like Onana and [Dwight] McNeil for me, players that were wanted players, players who in the Premier League would have had a lot of takers, both of them, I know that for a fact, and we managed to put forward a case for them for Everton and what we want to do and where we want to get to. That is not always that easy when you have just come through from a relegation battle but the reality is well, OK, what is there about us? History, passion, the level of the club and where we want to get to and the fact that I and we can sell that to players that are wanted, and they have come to us, they are big plus points and nice days."
READ NEXT:
- Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch slams 'terrible' Frank Lampard tactic during Everton draw
- Everton analysis - Frank Lampard signings set example as system change pays off
- 'If I'm honest' - Frank Lampard makes Neal Maupay claim and assesses Everton transfer chances
- Farhad Moshiri must deliver on promise as Everton transfer truth leaves Frank Lampard stranded
- 'Good for him' - Frank Lampard gives clear Anthony Gordon transfer verdict after latest Everton goal
