Frank Lampard is keeping his cards close to his chest over whether Dominic Calvert Lewin will start against Crystal Palace. The Everton manager has underlined the the importance of the striker.
“He brings a lot to the team. He is a high level. You must play to the strengths of that. He connects the game and there is a lot to his game. You want Dominic at the focal point in the team.”
The England striker made his first Premier League start in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday night. Lampard said he is vital for the blues in front of goal.
“We’ve got Dominic back, I haven’t had him much, we don’t have a history of scoring loads of goals and lost our main scorer back in the summer.”
The Everton boss is open to a change system to fit Calvert-Lewin into the team.
“Yeah, for sure. It’s about finding other ways to connect the team where Dominic is not isolated. There have been instances this season where we have done that very well. We need players around Dominic.”
Lampard is wary of the threat Palace pose, “They have got a lot of threats in their team, especially in attacking areas, we must restrict them in the top area of the pitch.”
Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Nathan Patterson will all miss out on the game.
Lampard has praised the fans saying how vital they were for the team. “Goodison is special, when you think of the atmosphere, we create it is a big deal for us” he also reflected on the game against Palace last season” it was an incredible night for us in how it flowed. The magic of Goodison came through created a spectacular night because of what was at stake. It is {The Premier League} probably more competitive then ever” Goodison is going to be a vital part of how the team operate this season.
Lampard has given his reaction to the sacking of Steven Gerrard from Aston Villa. “I know Stevie and get on with him. I’ve got huge respect for him, it’s not nice for someone to lose their job. He is a very tough lad and has a good family around him. He is a great, great football person. You have pride, you have a work ethic and you have so many things going on. I don think it should just be a casual conversation that someone has lost their job and will be fine. Every manager is consumed by their job, and it is difficult.”
