'Alex could play any role' - Coventry boss Lampard reveals what made Iwobi stand out at Everton
Speaking at Thursday's pre-match press conference, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard praised Alex Iwobi's versatility and explained why the Nigeria international stood out during their time together at Everton.
Iwobi thrived under Lampard at Everton, registering 11 goal involvements in 40 appearances across all competitions, largely operating in midfield.
Signed from Arsenal in the summer of 2019, Iwobi endured a difficult start to life at Everton but impressed during Lampard's time at the club.
Lampard highlighted Iwobi's technical ability alongside that of teammates Joshua King and Oscar Bobb.
The Coventry boss was asked about Iwobi’s recent admission that he felt Lampard had resurrected his career during their time together at Everton.
Lampard told reporters: "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.
"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."
With Everton battling to avoid the drop, one of Iwobi's biggest strengths was his ability to operate in different positions and deliver when the team needed him most.
"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.
"There is also something infectious about him as a player, how he turns out games, how he is in the dressing room.
"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."
Lampard went on to describe Iwobi as one of the standout individuals he has worked with during his managerial career.
"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.
"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 opened his goalscoring account for the 2026-27 season in Everton’s 1-0 win over Hull City at Craven Cottage last weekend.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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