Frank Lampard insists he will only judge Dele Alli’s on-field time at Everton.
The England international received strange and undue criticism following his deadline day switch to Goodison Park from several prominent ex-footballers.
Alan Brazil questioned Alli’s arrival at Finch Farm in a Rolls-Royce while Glenn Hoddle derided his outfit as he sat out Saturday’s FA Cup win over Brentford.
But Lampard is adamant that lifestyle choices have no bearing on how he assesses the 25-year-old and prefers to focus the Blues’ new recruit’s input.
He said: “I’ve heard some of the reaction.
“I have a lot of respect for everyone who has spoken, ex-players who I admire in Ally McCoist, Alan Brazil, Glenn Hoddle. I would never go against their word.
“But when you are working closely with players and working with Dele, I don’t care what car he drives, what clothes he wears, as long as I get a lad that comes to training every day, wants to improve every day, respects the club and respects his teammates and then produces and gives everything to produce.
“The modern day has moved on, we all have to be aware of that and I’m not hitting back at any former players’ observations because everyone is allowed their own opinion but I can only deal with what’s in front of me.
“Dele and Donny (van de Beek) are both great lads. Maybe Donny wears an overcoat that is longer than the one Dele wears and he has a different type of jacket.
“But it doesn’t bother me. As long as they produce on the pitch then I’m very happy.
“Everyone has their own individual personality and to try to handcuff or restrict that I think could be detrimental.
“As long as the players have the right behaviours when it comes to football and doing the right things I have no worries.”