When Everton posted a video of Frank Lampard coaching his new side in training, "Enjoy the ball" was one of his pieces of advice.
"Enjoy the ball." pic.twitter.com/GiDolRDuzt
— Everton (@Everton) February 1, 2022
Everton’s form prior to Lampard's appointment as manager - 10 defeats in their last 13 Premier League matches - indicates that this has not been the case for a while.
The Toffees struggled under Lampard's predecessor Rafael Benitez, whose tactical approach left them playing in a very similar style to the other sides battling for form and points.
Only Burnley and Aston Villa have been more direct this season, while only Burnley, Watford and Newcastle United have averaged fewer passes per sequence.
Lessons from time at Chelsea
So, Everton will now try to enjoy the ball under Lampard, but what does that mean? Well, his season and a half at Chelsea offers some clues.
The Blues' recent indifferent form under Thomas Tuchel has resulted in some reassessment of Lampard’s time at Stamford Bridge, with some noting that the team’s xG (Expected Goals) total of 1.77 per match under their former midfielder was higher than their 1.69 under Tuchel.
Lampard was also more likely than his successor to utilise direct attacks, which are classified as open-play sequences that start just inside the team’s own half and have at least 50 per cent of movement towards the opposition’s goal and end in a shot or a touch in the opposition box.
Yes, Lampard’s Chelsea had defensive frailties – their total of 10 goals conceded from corners in 2019/20 was only surpassed by Norwich City, who were relegated.
But crucially they had an attacking variety from which Everton, and perhaps even this 2021/22 Chelsea side, could benefit.
Calvert-Lewin similar to Abraham
Lampard will know that a front-footed, energetic approach will help to win over the Goodison Park crowd and get the best out of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 24-year-old has only played six times this season due to injury. But having scored 13 Premier League goals in 2019/20 and then 16 last season, an in-form and match-fit Calvert-Lewin is arguably the most important asset Everton have.
Interestingly, his xG map last season was incredibly similar to that of Tammy Abraham, one of Lampard's key players in his full season at Chelsea.
Abraham's ability in and around the six-yard box was maximised by Lampard, and Calvert-Lewin would thrive on the same kind of service.
Calvert-Lewin and Abraham compared
Calvert-Lewin, who missed the weekend's FA Cup tie against Brentford, could get his first taste of playing under Lampard when Everton visit Newcastle on Tuesday.
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If he is available, he will take confidence from his strong record at St James' Park, having scored in his last three matches there.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have started to press a lot more under Eddie Howe. In their recent match against Watford they recorded their season's-best figure for passes per defensive action, which measures the opposition's average number of passes before they lose the ball.
Everton will also surely be more aggressive out of possession under Lampard.
Tuesday's encounter promises to be a fascinating tactical duel, with both sides fielding new signings under new managers hoping to lead their teams away from the relegation zone.
Duncan Alexander is co-editor in chief at TheAnalyst.com
