Alex Iwobi: Why Lampard won’t claim credit for his Everton revival

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has praised Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi as a player who could “play any role” but says he will not take credit for reviving the Fulham man's career at Everton.

All Nigeria Soccer reported Lampard's comments from his Thursday pre-match press conference. Coventry host Fulham on Saturday 24 October at 15:00 WAT, according to PitchNaija.

Iwobi had said Lampard revived his career at Everton, All Nigeria Soccer reported, which prompted the question.

What Lampard said

Lampard was asked about Iwobi's description of him, and he pushed back gently.

“Resurrecting seems too strong, but I'll let him say those words because he was always a good player.”

On versatility during Everton's relegation fight, he said:

“Alex could play any role and play at a really high level.”

He added that he would not take much of the credit.

“I wouldn't take so much credit because a lot of the work was done by him.”

Asked where Iwobi ranks among players he has worked with, Lampard was direct, according to the same report.

“Alex Iwobi is very, very high on that list.”

Analysis: praise from the other dugout

Managers rarely praise a rival's player before a league game without meaning it, and Lampard's answer fits what Fulham have seen from Iwobi: a midfielder who is used in several roles. All Nigeria Soccer reports that Iwobi scored in Fulham's 1-0 win over Hull City last weekend, his first goal of the season.

The Lampard comments also underline why Iwobi remains central to the Super Eagles. Our own Coventry v Fulham preview looks at what Iwobi can bring on Saturday, and the praise suggests Coventry will respect him rather than plan around other players. Whether that changes how Coventry set up is a matter for Saturday, and no team news has been confirmed.

Iwobi's next chance to answer a former manager comes at 15:00 WAT on Saturday.