What Fans Are Saying About Van de Beek’s Performance In His First Everton Start

Donny van de Beek completed 90 minutes for only the fourth time in the Premier League, and his performance in the heart of the midfield left fans wondering why he didn’t manage to do so more often during his one and a half year spell at Manchester United.

Given his first start in Everton colours by Frank Lampard, Van de Beek had some half of football against Leeds United.

In the opening 45 minutes, he had the most touches and accurate passes. Further, the Dutchman was equally sound defensively, with no player managing more ball recoveries and tackles than him.

His wonderful pass across the face of the goal led to Everton’s opener before Lampard’s men added two more to register a comfortable 3-0 win at Goodison Park.

https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1492545675216752640

Is this the same Donny van de Beek they told us can't play in a pivot and isn't physical enough for the Premier League? Lol

— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) February 12, 2022

Didn’t realize Van de Beek had as much tackle in him. Fantastic speed of touches and passing.

— James (@jwhollis) February 12, 2022

Announce Van De Beek on a permanent deal

— Andy Castell (@AJ3) February 12, 2022

Van de Beek has only been on 5 minutes and is already Everton’s player of the season.

— Sammy Booker (@iammrazul) February 8, 2022

 

Partnered alongside Allan in a double pivot, the 24-year-old midfielder was unfazed by Leeds’ ‘intensity’ – the lack of which was mentioned in several reports as one of the main reasons behind his failure to establish himself under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick at United.

Considering the last two goals the Red Devils have conceded in the league have come due to their midfield leaving a lot of space during defensive transitions, the decision to offload Van de Beek mid-season without bringing in a replacement is questionable.