Alex Iwobi: Frank Lampard didn’t know what to expect from me at Everton
Alex Iwobi has enjoyed a remarkable redemption arch under Frank Lampard, and the Everton midfielder says it all boils down to his effort in training.
When Lampard was first appointed at Goodison Park, Iwobi was considered a transfer flop in an underperforming side. On top of that, Iwobi had just endured a frustrating African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, which ended with him being sent off in their final game.
Out of all the hopes Toffees fans had for Lampard, not many would’ve been expecting Iwobi to become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Much of Iwobi’s success came from Lampard converting him to a midfielder, and the Nigerian star commented on how that change came about during a recent interview.
Speaking to Everton’s official website, Iwobi said: “I feel like he probably didn’t really know what to expect from me.
“He was possibly a bit surprised at how I train – I always give 100 per cent in training and it’s just getting that out in matches.
“He told me to play the way I train and he wanted me to go out and express myself. He gave me the confidence to do that.
A surprise star
It wasn’t just Lampard that was left surprised by Iwobi’s talent. Most around Goodison had given up on him and scoffed when his £34million fee was mentioned.
But Iwobi’s currently living up to that price tag and more this season. He’s been reborn in central midfield by Lampard, and is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
For whatever flaws Lampard may have as a manager, he deserves so much credit for his coaching of out-of-form players. Having been a legendary central midfielder himself, Lampard clearly has a keen eye for the attributes it takes to succeed in the heart of the pitch.
Iwobi clearly ticked those boxes, and Lampard has taken him under his wing.
Iwobi commented further on Lampard’s man-managing skills in the interview, saying that “because he [Lampard] was a player recently, he understands what everyone goes through as a player mentally.”
It’s an important part of Lampard’s managerial style, and it’s clearly effective in creating a good atmosphere in the dressing room, regardless of how the team is performing.