Frank Lampard hails Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi as one of his outstanding players at Everton

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has described Alex Iwobi as one of the outstanding players of his managerial career, praising the Nigeria international’s versatility, work ethic and influence during their time together at Everton.

Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Lampard reflected on Iwobi’s development under his management and explained why the midfielder made such a lasting impression during a challenging period for the Merseyside club.

Iwobi recorded 11 goal involvements in 40 appearances across all competitions under Lampard, primarily operating in midfield after struggling to establish himself following his move from Arsenal in the summer of 2019.

The 30-year-old has since continued to demonstrate his value, with Lampard highlighting the qualities that helped him become an important figure at Everton.

‘Alex Iwobi was outstanding’

Lampard was responding to comments from Iwobi, who credited the former Chelsea midfielder with resurrecting his career during their time together at Everton.

However, the Coventry manager played down the suggestion that he was solely responsible for the Nigerian’s resurgence, insisting that the midfielder already possessed the qualities needed to succeed.

“Resurrecting seems too strong, but I’ll let him say those words because he was always a good player, maybe in a tough moment at Everton,” Lampard told reporters.

He explained that Everton were experiencing a difficult period when he arrived, but Iwobi quickly distinguished himself through his performances in training.

“The time when I came in, it was a tough moment for the club. I just talked about value in training with the players, to get yourself in the team, and quite quickly at Everton, it was clear Alex’s quality in training, work ethic and consistency in it was a very high level.”

Lampard’s comments underline the importance of Iwobi’s attitude and consistency in earning a prominent role in the team during a period when Everton were fighting to avoid relegation.

Versatility made Iwobi indispensable

One of Iwobi’s biggest strengths under Lampard was his ability to operate in several positions and maintain a high standard of performance regardless of his role.

With Everton battling to preserve their Premier League status, the midfielder’s adaptability proved particularly valuable as Lampard sought solutions to the team’s problems.

“He is also a very versatile player, so he worked in times of desperate need. When we were battling relegation, Alex could play any role and play at a really high level,” Lampard said.

Beyond his technical ability, Lampard also praised Iwobi’s personality and the positive influence he brought to the dressing room.

“There is also something infectious about him as a player, how he turns out games, how he is in the dressing room.”

Although Iwobi credited Lampard for helping him rediscover his best form, the Coventry boss insisted that the player deserved the bulk of the recognition.

“If he wants to give me credit, great. I wouldn’t take so much credit because a lot of the work was done by him.”

Nigerian midfielder earns place among Lampard’s best

Lampard went further in his assessment, placing Iwobi among the most impressive individuals he has worked with throughout his managerial career.

The former England international acknowledged that his time in management had given him the opportunity to work with numerous talented players, but Iwobi’s contribution at Everton remained particularly memorable.

“He trained, he played really, really well, and in all my career as a manager, it’s long enough now, it’s not forever but it’s long enough now.

“He’s one player that if I look back, I go as an individual, he was outstanding.”

Lampard added that Iwobi ranked highly among the players who had made a significant difference to him during his career.

“And if you go, who are your top players you play with that really made a difference for you, Alex Iwobi is very, very high on that list.”

Iwobi recently opened his goalscoring account for the 2026-27 season in Everton’s 1-0 victory over Hull City at Craven Cottage last weekend.

His continued contributions highlight the qualities Lampard identified during their time together, while the manager’s latest remarks offer a strong endorsement of the Nigerian’s impact at Everton.