Lampard praises Iwobi’s versatility but rejects credit for Everton revival

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard says Alex Iwobi is capable of playing “any role” but has played down suggestions that he revived the Fulham midfielder’s career during their time together at Everton.

Lampard was speaking ahead of Coventry’s Championship meeting with Fulham on Saturday 24 October, which is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 WAT.

Iwobi previously said Lampard had helped revive his career at Everton, prompting a question about the Nigerian’s comments during Lampard’s pre-match news conference on Thursday, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer.

The Coventry manager responded positively to Iwobi’s development but was reluctant to accept much of the praise. He also highlighted the midfielder’s versatility during Everton’s relegation fight, when Iwobi was deployed in different positions.

Asked where Iwobi ranked among the players he had worked with, Lampard gave a direct answer, according to the same report, although he again resisted taking significant credit for the player’s progress.

The comments underline Iwobi’s importance to Fulham and the range of roles he can fulfil in midfield and attack. He scored in Fulham’s 1-0 win over Hull City last weekend, the 29-year-old’s first goal of the season, according to All Nigeria Soccer.

Iwobi joined Everton from Arsenal in 2019 and worked under Lampard during the latter’s spell as manager. He moved to Fulham in 2023 and has since become an important part of their side.

Lampard’s praise also reinforces Iwobi’s continuing relevance to the Super Eagles. His ability to operate in several positions makes him a useful option for both club and country, while also presenting Coventry with a player who can influence the game from different areas of the pitch.

Fulham will travel to Coventry with Iwobi having the opportunity to face his former manager. No team news had been confirmed at the time of Lampard’s press conference, so it remains unclear how Coventry will approach the threat posed by the midfielder.

The match gives Iwobi another chance to respond on the pitch to the praise from his former manager, with kick-off set for 15:00 WAT on Saturday.