Frank Lampard might have had a bad reputation at Everton, but he helped some players shine.
The former Everton manager did a good enough job in keeping the Toffees in the Premier League and deserves credit where it’s due.
Despite his tenure only lasting a year, he was lauded for his management skills, as Duncan Ferguson said Lampard was unbelievable tactically.
It’s some praise to receive from the Everton legend, and the Chelsea icon has since gone on to perform well with Coventry City in the Championship.
Unfortunately, their play-off campaign came to an end, but his future is looking bright, and one player will certainly back his corner.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Alex Iwobi says Frank Lampard ‘revived’ his career at Everton
Lampard was dealt a difficult task to keep Everton fighting in the Premier League, as it was looking destined that they would be relegated.
It was clearly never smooth sailing as Lampard had a bust-up with Solomon Rondon, proving how much tension was rising between 2022 and 2023.
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But the midfield legend did prove his credentials as a manager when he nurtured Alex Iwobi.
Iwobi had arrived at Everton in 2019 and hadn’t really kicked on since his £34m move with underwhelming campaigns under Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez.
Benitez turned out to be the downfall of his career though, with the Spaniard even threatening to send the 29-year-old on loan.
But speaking to the Inside Scoop, Iwobi talked about what Lampard did, which ‘revived’ his career.
“Lampard hands down (best manager he played under). He revived my career,” Iwobi said.
“One of the AFCONs I got sent off, and Benitez said you’re going to go on loan.
“Lampard comes in and he gave everyone a chance, he put me in midfield and said, express yourself, be you.”
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Iwobi was a player transformed under Lampard at Everton
The Nigerian international has certainly reached the best point of his career at Fulham this season, with Iwobi being one of the best playmakers around.
Former Toffees manager Marco Silva was the one who signed him at Everton, and then Silva approached Iwobi at Fulham.
Leaving for £22m was disappointing to see, but it was Lampard who created the player he is today after performing so well in the 2022/23 season.
Alex Iwobi for Everton in the 2022/23 season
Games played 38
Goals 2
Assists 7
Chances created 64
Dribble success % 52.4%
Successful dribbles per 90 1.46
The change to move Iwobi to midfield was a stroke of genius after the Nigerian struggled to adapt on the wing for Everton.
Now he’s performing to the best of his ability, and he clearly appreciates Lampard’s huge impact on his career.