In Focus: Five problems Lampard must solve at Everton

Everton have turned to ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard to steer them clear of the Premier League relegation battle.

The former England midfielder, 43, takes the reins at Goodison Park with the Toffees having endured a tough campaign under his axed predecessor Rafa Benitez.

Now, with new faces through the door already, we look at the five biggest issues that need to be addressed by Lampard if the good times are to return on the blue half of Merseyside.

Learn to win again

Everton have only won five Premier League games this season — and four of those came in their opening six outings.

One top-flight victory since September is an appalling return by any side’s standards and the Toffees prop up the division’s form table along with Watford over the last 10 games.

For all the fundamental changes Lampard will be contemplating, getting three points on the board against fellow strugglers Newcastle in his first league match would deliver a timely morale boost.

Four days after that trip to St James’ Park, Everton host Leeds in what looks another winnable encounter should the famed new manager bounce have its desired effect.

Bed in the new faces

Despite only being announced as boss on Monday afternoon, Lampard was quickly followed through the door at Finch Farm by two deadline day playing additions.

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek and Tottenham creator Dele Alli have both endured tough spells in recent times but will now be relishing the chance to revive their careers on Merseyside.

If Lampard can integrate the pair into his side quickly and effectively, they could provide the spark that Everton fans have been crying out for in recent months.

Alli, in particular, is a signing with serious potential — the 25-year-old registered a whopping 63 direct goal involvements in just three Premier League campaigns between 2015 and 2018.

Get back on the goal trail

Even though his Liverpool links from years gone by undoubtedly caused friction, Everton fans’ main gripe with Benitez was the quality of football on show.

Scoring only eight times in their last 10 league outings, only Norwich have proven more toothless than the Toffees in that timeframe — and it is not a case of lacking forward options either.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison returning to fitness, along with his new additions, Lampard will be expected to restore his new team’s predatory instinct as a priority.

Given his Chelsea side were far from goal-shy, expect to see a significantly more attacking approach employed from the 43-year-old in the coming weeks.

Build bridges

Everton feels like a club disconnected from its fan base in many areas currently — but a smooth communicator like Lampard can go a long way to easing those tensions.

Alluding to the fans in his first club interview, Lampard said: “There are certain clubs in England that when you go into the stadium, you can feel the passion the fans have for their team.

“It is very intense. I found it difficult when it was against me and I am very much looking forward to representing that on their side going forward.”

Just as ex-Blues bosses David Moyes and Howard Kendall did so successfully, embracing the rich culture and traditions at Goodison Park is a sure-fire way for Lampard to set off on the right foot with Evertonians.

Restore an identity

While some clubs measure success by trophies and titles only, the most important foundation of a club like Everton is establishing a clear vision that fans, players and staff alike can all buy into.

Though Lampard’s previous managerial stints have produced mixed results, the ex-midfielder has always shown a penchant for playing on the front foot and giving young talent a platform to shine.

In Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite, he inherits two English youngsters with the world at their feet — they are exactly the kind of player who should flourish under his stewardship.

And with a fast-paced, possession-friendly approach his preferred philosophy, Everton look sure to be an entertaining watch under their new boss too.