Rio Ferdinand believes Frank Lampard is the right manager to get Donny van de Beek flourishing again after his move to Everton.
The Manchester United midfielder made the move on loan to Goodison Park on deadline day of the January transfer window, and is set to stay on Merseyside for the remainder of the season.
It’s a much-needed move for Van de Beek, who has been left frustrated by the lack of playing time since he moved to Old Trafford from Ajax in 2020.
The 24-year-old was also the subject of attempts from Crystal Palace to sign him, although it was Everton who eventually won the race, having renewed their interest after missing out on a loan move in the summer.
Speaking on his Vibe With Five podcast, Ferdinand revealed some of the reasons why Van de Beek decided on the Toffees, and gave his verdict on the move to Merseyside.
“We had Donny on the show a while back and I’ve been able to stay in contact and speak to him quite a lot,” Ferdinand said.
“I spoke to him over this deal, and obviously I think Frank Lampard was a big driver, but also Patrick Vieira was a big driver for him because he respects both.
“I think being able to live at home still in Manchester, not having to move, his girlfriend’s pregnant as well, these are factors that I thought played a part as well.
“Also, I think the important thing for Donny van de Beek, yes is to play games, but as important is where he’s going to be played.
“If you’re going to ask him to play the similar roles he played for Man United which is maybe a little more defensive at times, then you’re not going to get the best out of this player.
“You have to give him licence to go forward, licence to attack the box, and judging by what he did at Ajax, he was allowed to get in the box, and he had free rein to get in there and time his runs to get opportunities to score goals.”
Ferdinand added: “He knows how to score, he knows how to play one and two-touch in progressive, possession-based football, and I think Frank Lampard, in his short time as a manager, has tried to make his teams play football the way that someone like Donny van de Beek might be able to flourish. I hope it works for both of them.”
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