Frank Lampard explains pre-season formation and says Everton are searching for new midfielders
- Sean Fisher
- 17 July 2022
Everton's pre-season started with a 2-0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday night, and Frank Lampard has explained his plans for the team.
Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka handed Arsenal a 2-0 win over Everton at the M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday night.
Fresh from a relegation fight last season, Everton will hope for a more comfortable campaign in 2022/23.
Frank Lampard is the man tasked with leading the Toffees back up the table, but the former Chelsea star insisted he'll need more reinforcements this summer, especially in midfield.
Everton fielded three centre-backs during their loss against Arsenal, with Lampard suggesting that his side need a natural defensive midfielder if they are to revert to a back four.
"I would like to be a bit more flexible because at the minute we have to probably play a back three because of the personnel on this trip," said Lampard.
"I was pleased particularly in the second half. When you're playing a really strong Arsenal team and you give young players a chance and I think James Tarkowski gave us calm at the back."
— Everton (@Everton) July 17, 2022
Frank's reaction to tonight's pre-season opener. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/x338GyqAar
"A lot of centre halves and in midfield we don't really have natural holding midfielders to perhaps play three in midfield like Arsenal did tonight. So there are things that are a work in progress at the minute.
"My job is to focus on those parts - where can we bring in players to improve but also in training, where can we drill?
"We will always look at the solutions within the squad. I thought Lewis Warrington did really well when he came on in midfield, he is confident, he did well on the ball. Gbamin the same, I thought he did pretty well as well.
FT. A tough first test of pre-season. Next up, @MNUFC on Wednesday.
— Everton (@Everton) July 17, 2022
🔵 0-2 🔴 @EvertonInUSA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/4dKIvt56Ss
"Doucoure's natural ability is more as an eight, you don't want to take away his natural running ability. I think Tom Davies is probably more of an eight as well.
"He can do different positions, you know he is a good footballer Tom, really good on the ball... Probably the position we are looking for is someone with maybe more positional defensive attributes as a real strength of their game."
Everton have already added James Tarkowski to their squad this summer, while the club scooped £50million from Tottenham for Brazilian striker Richarlison.
