The Nigeria international has been a key player for the former Chelsea midfielder, and he confesses an interaction he had with the gaffer could have turned around his season
Super Eagles midfielder has revealed that a conversation he had with Everton boss Frank Lampard may have rescued his season and, by extension, his career.
With Everton enduring a problematic 2021/2022 season, Iwobi was a leading candidate for the villain of the year after a string of underwhelming performances for the Toffees.
But the arrival of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Frank Lampard changed the narrative for Iwobi, who has become one of the first names on the starting list.
Lampard has shown immense faith in Iwobi, shifting the Nigerian playmaker from the wings to the centre of the park. And the former Arsenal ace has rewarded his boss by providing several energetic and tireless displays.
Iwobi played as a right-wing-back at the weekend as Everton boosted their relegation survival chances by beating Chelsea 1-0 at Goodison Park.
But the 26-year-old believes he has convinced Lampard in words and actions that he can do a fantastic job in central midfield.
Revealing part of their conversations, Iwobi highlights how he has left Lampard surprised by his relentless press and how the manager is guiding his further developments.
“It is where I grew up playing; I like to get on the half-turn, get the ball forward. I am always trying to play to the attacking players and make something happen,” Iwobi told the Liverpool Echo.
“When I play infield, I get on the ball more and can take it up the pitch. I told him [Lampard] I’d played there for Arsenal but not had the opportunity at Everton…that it’s where I am most comfortable and the position I play for my national team.
“He tried it and it’s worked, so far. I felt he was half surprised I could run; he called me a machine.
“The manager spoke to me after Leicester about having a bit more tactical awareness. He said, ‘It is nice to have the energy to run and chase and get back, but maybe sometimes preserve it, chill out, so you’re not burned out.’
“Other than that he says to maintain the work ethic because it really helps the crowd engage with the team. Apart from that opening 10-15 minutes against Leicester, when I was literally chasing everything, I have generally got the press right.
“The manager knows I have the ability to press and quickly get back into shape.”
Iwobi has featured for 90 minutes in each of Everton’s last four games, with the Toffees picking up two wins – against Man United and Chelsea – and one draw against Leicester City.
