Everton boss Frank Lampard has a ‘huge respect’ for Alex Iwobi after seeing the Nigerian go from strength to strength. He has also explained his initial expectations for the midfielder.
Iwobi has become an instrumental part of Lampard’s plans at Goodison Park this term after moving into central midfield. He had previously struggled to hold down a role with the club since joining from Arsenal in 2019. Yet the £34m transfer is now one of the first in a squad.
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The 26-year-old has shown a superb range with his passes from the engine room to carve open opposition backlines. He has also played at a surprisingly high level in his defensive acts. While Iwobi’s gritty determination has helped set the tone in many of Everton’s games.
It has been a drastic transformation for Iwobi from the 58-cap international who often failed to retain a place on the wings. His creativity has also come to the fore in recent weeks with assists against Leeds United, West Ham United and Southampton for a draw and two wins.
His effort at Elland Road found Anthony Gordon to break the deadlock early in the first half. While Iwobi’s assists either side of the international break at home to the Irons and away to the Saints fed Neal Maupay and Dwight McNeil respectively to hit Everton’s winning efforts.
Frank Lampard states he now has a ‘huge respect’ for Alex Iwobi at Everton
Iwobi has blown Lampard away with what the Arsenal product has offered Everton since he moved into central midfield. Now, the Toffees coach has boldly proclaimed Iwobi is ‘one of the top midfielders’ in the Premier League before his side’s match with Manchester United.
Lampard said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo: “At the time I came in I probably presumed [his role] would probably be as a winger and do a job for us there. And I then just wanted to stay open and see what he showed us in training.
“There has been a huge development and I am asked a lot about my input in it and so much is down to Alex himself. It is clear to say that only players and players themselves can make the strides Alex has made, but not many make the strides he has made in the right way.
“My job is to support him, give him confidence, put him in the right structure, in the right team and the rest is down to him. Whatever view when I came in [with] is not important but now I have a huge respect for him and love working with him.”
Iwobi’s past difficulties in securing an instrumental role at Everton have meant he is yet to extend his initial contract ending in 2024. But the Liverpool Echo noted in September that the Toffees opened initial discussions with the £50k-a-week star over a potential new deal.
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