Frank Lampard suggests that Alex Iwobi now thrives in central midfield as his talent is more suited to the position. The former Chelsea manager claims that playing on the wing restricted the Nigerian international.
When Austin Jay-Jay Okocha retired from football, he left behind big shoes to fill. The Super Eagles of Nigeria have continued their quest to fill in the vacuum left behind by the former PSG player. Legends come once in a generation, and Nigeria is yet to find the player who fills the role as Jay-Jay did.
Perhaps Nigeria has been looking in the wrong places. After many years, every player that has tried to fill his shoes has come up short. Nigeria thought they had found a replacement in John Obi Mikel, but the now-retired midfielder had a different skill set and could not fulfil the requirements.
Just maybe the answer lies in Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi. The former Arsenal man has spent the better part of his career playing as a winger, but his manager at Everton claims Iwobi has the ingredients to succeed as a central midfielder.
Iwobi is better as a midfielder
When Alex Iwobi arrived at Everton, he joined the Merseyside club as a winger, but things have changed, and he has drifted into the middle of the park. Iwobi now shows what he can do in the role and has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season.
Frank Lampard said Everton had the wrong idea of Alex Iwobi. Lampard, a successful midfielder for Chelsea, claims that Iwobi has all the qualities to succeed as a central midfielder.
Everton signed Iwobi from Arsenal for £34 million in 2019. Despite the outlay by the club, the Nigerian international was criticised by Everton fans, who believe he has not delivered on the money spent on him.
Recognising the threat Iwobi represents
However, Iwobi has made an impressive start to the 2022/23 season. The former Arsenal winger has started to deliver on the promise, and the Super Eagles manager might start taking a cue from Frank Lampard in how he deploys Iwobi.
Credit should go to Lampard for the turnaround for the 26-year-old. He started playing him in a central midfield role rather than on the wing.
Lampard claims to have used his experience as a midfielder to recognise the threat Iwoi represents from a central position. He believes he can thrive in that role and was restricted when deployed on the flank.
Lampard said he believes Iwobi is one of the best midfielders in the league. He said Iwobi could play well as a 6 or 8.
The Everton manager said Iwobi played as a double No.6 earlier in the season and did well for the team. He said he moved him slightly forward as a Number 8, and his form was fantastic.
Lampard suggests Iwobi has developed brilliantly and alleged that the perception of the Nigerian international was wrong and said most of the success is down to the player.
