Alex Iwobi put in an impressive performance against Chelsea which made Frank Lampard single him out for praise again
Everton manager Frank Lampard has showered praise on Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi again following his performance in Saturday’s Premier League match against Chelsea.
The Toffees hosted Chelsea at Goodison Park for their first league match of the season but despite a 1-0 loss, Iwobi shone for his side.
The Nigerian international was deployed in midfield by Lampard, where he partnered with Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure to stifle Chelsea’s attacking moves for most of the game.
After the match, Lampard noted that Iwobi was impressive for the Toffees in central midfield, stating that the 26-year-old was ‘superb’ in the number six role.
While speaking to the club’s official website, the Everton manager attributed Iwobi’s excellent performance to the ‘attitude and humility’ that the Nigerian international possesses.
Lampard said, “Alex, playing in that number six role, did superb in the game. Because of his attitude, personality and humility, it doesn’t matter where he plays. He doesn’t bat an eyelid at what we ask them to do.”
The former Chelsea manager stated that he gave Iwobi and Doucoure specific instructions to block off Chelsea’s passing lanes from midfield, which the pair did brilliantly.
Lampard also hailed the energy, combative spirit, and readiness to pitch in wherever he is required that Iwobi brings to the Everton team.
“I thought him and Abdoulaye Doucoure played very well in midfield today,” Lampard said.
“We gave Alex and Doucs some particular instruction today, because of the threat of Chelsea playing through the lines – and their energy and their quality – and they dealt with that brilliantly.”
Iwobi continues to shine under Lampard, having seen his performances significantly improve since the former Chelsea manager took charge at Everton.
Everton will be in action again on Saturday, August 13 when they travel to Villa Park to face Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa side.
