Iwobi reveals how Lampard revived his career at Everton

Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has explained how Frank Lampard revived his career while playing for Everton in the Premier League.

Iwobi was discussing his return to Everton from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where Nigeria had lost to Tunisia to exit the stage in the Round of 16.

100 Fulham appearances for Alex Iwobi.

⚽ 17 goals
🅰️ 10 assists

Veteran ✨ pic.twitter.com/FG8lWbINkF

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) February 15, 2026

The former Arsenal winger said when he returned to Goodison Park while Everton were under Rafa Benitez, he was told he was going to be loaned out.

However, a turn of events happened as Benitez was dismissed before he could be loaned out. The exit of Benitez confirmed the arrival of Lampard, the situation of going for a loan move stayed the same but Iwobi decided to stay, and fight for a starting role.

‘I’m probably never gonna play’

“There was one of the AFCON I got sent off, came back, they said Alex, you’re gonna go on a loan. Although this is Rafa Benitez, I wasn’t playing like that,” Iwobi said as quoted by the Punch.

“So I went to AFCON, wasn’t really playing, then I played in the round of 16, got sent off. Come back thinking, “Oh my God, I’m having a mare. I’m going back to heaven, I’m probably never gonna play.”

He added: “Then obviously Rafa Benitez has gone, it’s Lampard. Then they’re saying, ‘Oh, Alex, you’re gonna go on loan.’ I’m not gonna say where. I was like, no, I’m not doing that. I’d rather just chill here and try and fight for my place. If I don’t play, I don’t play.”

Iwobi continued: “Lampard gives everyone a chance. In training, I’m a very good training player. So far, you can do it in training, why can’t you do this in matches? I’ve been told by previous managers to set the board around. So they go, no, do your thing.

“Then Lampard played me, then he put me in midfield where I actually like playing, again on the ball. And then he said, yo, express, be you.

“Then that’s where I revitalised my career. And my career started playing regularly and making impactful things in the game. So yeah, I’ll say Lampard, man, my best time.”

Iwobi later left Everton to Fulham, where he currently plays in the top-flight.

Alex Iwobi’s AFCON Setback and Loan Threat

During the AFCON tournament, Nigeria suffered a disappointing Round of 16 exit against Tunisia. Iwobi endured a particularly tough spell, having been sent off in that crucial match.

Upon returning to Everton, then managed by Rafa Benitez, the midfielder was informed that he would likely be sent out on loan due to limited playing time.

Speaking about that moment, Iwobi admitted he feared the worst for his career.

“There was one of the AFCON I got sent off, came back, they said Alex, you’re gonna go on a loan. Although this is Rafa Benitez, I wasn’t playing like that,” he explained.

The uncertainty weighed heavily on him. He felt his prospects at Everton were fading rapidly, and a loan move seemed inevitable.

“Come back thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m having a mare. I’m probably never gonna play.’”

However, football can change quickly. Before any loan move materialized, Rafa Benitez was dismissed as Everton manager, opening the door for a new chapter.

Frank Lampard’s Arrival Changes Everything for Alex Iwobi

The appointment of Frank Lampard marked a turning point in Iwobi’s career. Although discussions about a loan move persisted initially, Iwobi made a bold decision — he would stay and fight for his place.

“Then obviously Rafa Benitez has gone, it’s Lampard. Then they’re saying, ‘Oh, Alex, you’re gonna go on loan.’ I was like, no, I’m not doing that. I’d rather just chill here and try and fight for my place.”

Lampard’s approach was notably different from previous managers. According to Iwobi, the former Chelsea midfielder believed in giving players genuine opportunities to prove themselves.

Iwobi described himself as a strong performer in training sessions. Lampard recognized that potential and encouraged him to replicate it during matches.

“Lampard gives everyone a chance. In training, I’m a very good training player. So far, you can do it in training, why can’t you do this in matches?”

This faith proved transformative.

A Midfield Role That Revitalised Alex Iwobi

One of the key tactical changes that helped Alex Iwobi flourish was Lampard’s decision to deploy him in midfield rather than as a winger.

The Nigerian international revealed that midfield was his preferred position because it allowed him to be more involved on the ball.

“Then Lampard played me, then he put me in midfield where I actually like playing, again on the ball. And then he said, yo, express, be you.”

That freedom to express himself unlocked a new version of Iwobi — one who was confident, creative, and impactful.

He began playing regularly, contributing both defensively and offensively. His performances earned praise from fans and pundits alike, as he became a key figure in Everton’s fight to remain competitive in the Premier League.

“Then that’s where I revitalised my career. And my career started playing regularly and making impactful things in the game. So yeah, I’ll say Lampard, man, my best time.”