Everton have 15 players out on loan at the moment, ranging from previous first-teamers like Dele Alli and Andre Gomes to promising youth prospects like Niels Nkounkou and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Frank Lampard and the powers at Goodison Park spent the summer searching for ways to improve the position that the team had found themselves in over the last Premier League campaign and with eight new signings, they are showing promising signs that they are improving.

The Toffees are currently 12th in the league table after 13 outings, and there is no doubt Lampard will be relieved that his side is starting to show more consistency after the relegation struggles over last season.

Conor Coady and James Tarkowski's centre-back partnership has flourished in the backline whilst Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gana Gueye have become a fantastic midfield duo in the centre of the pitch, all contributing to the improved performances on the pitch.

But it's not just the Everton players at Goodison Park that have been impressive, as former academy player Lewis Dobbin is thriving out on loan with Derby County in League One.

The 19-year-old forward scored 20 goals and registered 13 assists whilst playing in the Everton U21s and U18s, but was given the opportunity to get some first-team football out on loan this summer with Derby after signing a new contract with the Toffees back in January.

Dobbin has had a slow start in terms of finding his shooting boots for The Rams, but has scored one goal and delivered two assists so far over 18 appearances in all competitions.

Despite the lack of goal contributions, Dobbin has still shone and displayed his immense talent in other areas of his game averaging 1.2 shots and winning 2.6 duels per game, as well as creating one big chance over 13 league outings.

The talented youngster has also been the recipient of high praise during his short time at Derby, with BBC Radio Derby reporter Dominic Dietrich hailing Dobbin:

“Dobbin has looked like he has all the makings of a top footballer," he began.

“He’s a ‘crowd lifter’ when he gets running at defenders, has shown pace to get in behind and off the ball, his press is fairly relentless. But it’s that crucial decision that he needs to add to his game."

With that being said, Lampard will surely be keeping a close eye on Dobbin's progress as he continues to take the acclaim on loan and he could potentially unearth a great prospect if the young player can prove that he has what it takes to play regularly at Everton over next season and beyond.