Everton
Credit: Imago
Rahul Lakhani
Mon 19 May 2025 21:10, UK
Alex Iwobi has developed into a solid player since leaving Everton, and the midfielder is now thriving with Fulham.
Iwobi joined the Toffees from Arsenal in 2019 and was inconsistent at times as he moved between the wings and a central role in relegation battles.
Everton sold him at a loss, but may regret that decision now as he continues to impress with Fulham under former Toffees boss Marco Silva.
The Nigerian has had several big-name managers in his career, including the legendary Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery, but has now picked out one surprise candidate who had the biggest impact on him.
Everton
Iwobi left Everton for Fulham in 2023
Iwobi names Frank Lampard as his favourite manager
Frank Lampard had an underwhelming spell as Everton manager and was ultimately out of his depth at Goodison Park before he was dismissed in January 2023.
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However, he had a positive impact on Iwobi, who has now told The Inside Scoop Podcast how the former England midfielder helped him revive his career after he was told he would leave on loan.
“Lampard, hands down,” Iwobi responded when asked which manager had the biggest impact on him.
“Lampard revived my career. One of the AFCONs I got sent off, I came back, and Rafa Benitez told me I would go out on loan.
Manager Played Goals Assists
Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) 98 9 14
Frank Lampard (Everton) 40 2 9
Iwobi under Wenger and Lampard
“I was having a mare, but then Benitez was gone. Lampard told me I would be going on loan to another country.
“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.’
“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.”
Lampard changed Iwobi’s position at Everton
Iwobi’s current position sees him line up centrally at Craven Cottage, and this is where he began playing under Lampard at Everton.
In August 2022, Lampard surprised many by playing Iwobi as a sitting midfielder against Chelsea, and he looked a lot brighter.
Lampard stated at the time that he loved his humility and quality on the ball, as he went on to score huge goals in yet another recent relegation battle at Goodison.
It was this positional change which gave Iwobi more confidence to express himself on the pitch, and Fulham are now reaping the rewards.
Everton may look back on Lampard’s time in charge with regrets, but for Iwobi, it was a transformative time for his career.
Iwobi’s time at Goodison Park came in a difficult period for the Blues, but it is a period he considers to be important in his development, and the 29-year-old is now thriving in the Premier League again.
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