Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek can resurrect his career at Everton under manager Frank Lampard after his January transfer deadline day loan move from Manchester United.
Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE podcast, Ferdinand shared his thoughts about Van de Beek’s loan move and feels that the Dutchman can get back his form under Lampard.
“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 and I spoke to him over this deal as well, over this period of time. Obviously Frank Lampard was a big driver but also [Crystal Palace boss] Patrick Vieira was a big driver for him because he respects both,” Ferdinand started.
“But I think being able to stay at home still, in Manchester, not having to move, his girlfriend’s pregnant as well, these are factors that played a part as well. But also, I think the important thing for Donny van de Beek – yes to play games – but just as important is where he is going to be played,” the former England international explained.
Ferdinand believes that Lampard will get dividends if he plays the Dutch midfielder in a more advanced role. However, he also added that how it will be of no use if he is played in a defensive role just like he was at Old Trafford.
“If you’re going to ask him to play the similar roles that he played at Man United, which is maybe a little bit more defensive at times, then you’re not going to get the best out of him. You have to give him license to go forward, license to attack the box, and judging him by what he did at Ajax he was allowed to get into the box and free rein to get in there and time his runs to get opportunities to score goals.”
Van de Beek joined Manchester United in the summer transfer window of 2020 but never really adjusted to Old Trafford. He never really felt settled at Manchester United and despite a lot of talk, he was not the preferred choice of former head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and therefore he got minimum game time. Hence a move to join Everton on loan was the most viable option.
