Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has revealed that former manager Frank Lampard played a crucial role in reviving his career during a difficult period at Everton.
Speaking on The Inside Scoop podcast, the Midfielder reflected on how Lampard’s belief and tactical trust helped him rediscover his form after a low point in his career.
“Lampard revived my career,” Iwobi said. “One of the AFCONs I got sent off, I came back, and Rafa Benitez told me I would go out on loan. I was having a mare, but then Benitez was gone. Lampard told me I’d be going on loan to another country.”
Iwobi, however, refused the move and decided to stay and fight for his place.
“I said, ‘I’m not doing that, I’d rather stay here and fight for my place.’ Lampard gives everyone a chance. In training, I’m a very good training player. He said, ‘You can do this in training, why can’t you do it in matches?’
I told him, ‘I’ve been told by previous managers to set the ball and run.’”
The midfielder explained how Lampard encouraged him to play with more freedom and confidence.
“He then said, ‘No, do your own thing.’ He then put me in midfield, where I liked being on the ball. He said, ‘Express yourself, be you,’ and that’s where I revitalised my career. I’d say under Lampard was my best time.”
Iwobi also spoke about his exit from Arsenal in 2019, a move he didn’t initially anticipate.
While he has no regrets, he revealed that the transfer came as a surprise.
He disclosed that Arsenal’s record signing of Nicolas Pépé for £72 million prompted the club to sell.
“It’s nice to know they [Everton] want me, what do you think?’ I said, I don’t know, I’m 50/50.
“Then my agent said, ‘Alex, Arsenal have already handed in the medical’ They [Arsenal]might want you gone because they need to sell someone. It was mad, I was like, “Arsenal want to let go of me, I guess it’s time for a new challenge.”
A product of Arsenal’s academy, Iwobi made 149 senior appearances for the Gunners, scoring 15 goals and providing 23 assists.
