Donny van de Beek got his first start for Everton this weekend as the Toffees cruised to a 3-0 win over Leeds.
After 17 months in the Premiership, it was only the Dutchman’s fifth start as he failed to impress Manchester United managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick and struggled for time.
Van de Beek was an integral part of Everton’s first goal, his cross in the box was cut out but only until Seamus Coleman headed it home.
According to @utdreport, in the 90 minutes he completed 38 passes with 89.5% accuracy, influencing play with dangerous balls in the final third.
Donny van de Beek v Leeds:
89.5% pass accuracy
51 keys
10 balls recovered
7 duels won
Most possessions won in the middle third (6)
Most successful tackles (4)
Most aerial duels won (3)
1 intercept
1 chance created[@Squawka] pic.twitter.com/ZEzdaDJrzb
— utdreport (@utdreport) February 12, 2022
His defensive work was also good as he followed up well and made four tackles.
By comparison, in his last full game at United, the 1-1 draw with Young Boys, he made few passes in the final third and played none in the box.
Speaking after the match, Everton boss Frank Lampard, who brought him to the club, told The telegraph“I brought him here because I know his talents.”
“He gave us a sense of calm, he tied the game together and gave us a sense of confidence on the ball.”
Why Solskjaer and Rangnick overlooked the 24-year-old remains a hotly debated topic among United fans. Journalist Ian Whittell said his performance “made fun of three Manchester United managers”.
If he continues to play like he did against Leeds on Saturday, he could give United something to think about in the summer.
Lampard is determined to get the Dutch international into the squad one way or another and although he has impressed as a sitting central midfielder, Lampard sees his versatility as a player.
“I think he can play different roles, and I think that’s the beauty and why I moved so quickly to bring him in.”
“He has the work ethic needed in this role, I know he can do better, he’s also a goal threat.”
The emphatic victory over Leeds allowed them to move further away from the bottom of the table, giving them a cushion from the drop zone.
Meanwhile, the Reds were struggling with a point at home to Southampton. Could Donny’s impressive performance encourage United to give him a second chance this summer?
