Everton boss Frank Lampard believes Conor Coady has silenced any critics about his performances.

The former Wolves captain, who is on loan at Everton with an option to buy within the loan deal, has been outstanding since arriving at Goodison Park this term.

Coady is 29 and in the prime of his career, with Lampard hugely impressed with his displays so far this term.

Speaking with reporters after a 0-0 draw with Fulham at the weekend, he said: “We work on that a lot [playing a back three and back four]. I think that is the very good thing. Conor can play in a four and he has shown that. Him and Tarky [James Tarkowski]. Tarky has done it for years to great effect.

“We work a lot on distances and we work on situations we don't want to be in. We work on making sure we can be in the right situations. As a group, defending the box, they are so keen to work together and protect the full-back next to them."