Everton: Frank Lampard is the ‘favourite’ to replace Rafa Benitez | OneFootball

With Everton currently enduring a seven-game winless run, speculation surrounding the future of new manager Rafa Benitez has already begun to circulate.

What’s the story?

Previously reports suggested that Nuno Espirito Santo was the frontrunner to replace the under-pressure 61-year-old, but now there appears to be a new candidate at the front of the queue.

According to journalist Colin Walker, former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is the ‘favourite’ to succeed Benitez at Goodison Park following a string of below-par results.

In a concise six-word update, he tweeted

Would Lampard be a good appointment?

Yes, definitely!

Vote

No way!

Vote

Everton fans should be excited

Benitez only arrived on Merseyside in the summer after Carlo Ancelotti returned to La Liga giants Real Madrid, and things got off to a good start for the experienced tactician.

A run of just one defeat in Everton’s opening seven Premier League fixtures sparked hope of a push for European football after years of midtable obscurity, but multiple injuries to key players sparked a dreadful downturn in performances.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina and Abdoulaye Doucoure have all faced extensive spells on the sidelines due to fitness concerns, although Benitez will be disappointed with how his side have coped in their absence.

The Blues have picked up only two points from a possible 21 in recent weeks, scoring just four goals and conceding a whopping 13 times, dropping them down to 14th position in the top-flight table.

As a result, potential replacements are now being lined up for Benitez, a former Champions League-winning coach, and Lampard is believed to be the first-choice candidate.

Although the 43-year-old is relatively inexperienced, he has illustrated his potential to become a top-class manager during spells at Derby County and Chelsea, achieving a 50% win rate from his 141 games in the dugout.

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The retired England midfielder also cultivated an enviable reputation for blooding young stars, overseeing the development of Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham, while also playing an attractive style of football.

For those reasons, Everton supporters should be excited at the prospect of Lampard joining the club, potentially providing new life into a campaign that is quickly becoming a nightmare.