Lampard hails outstanding Iwobi

Everton boss Frank Lampard has hailed Alex Iwobi following the Nigerian international forward’s impressive display in the Toffees’ 3-0 demolition of Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Lampard restored the Nigerian to the starting line up for his eighth start of the campaign in 14 games and the 25 year old justified his inclusion with a near man of the match performance.

The Everton gaffer says Iwobi deserved starting the game and predicted he will start many more if he keeps playing the way he did against Leeds.

The Nigerian had 82.9% pass accuracy, 61 total touches, 13 attacking third passes, nine ball recoveries, six ground duels won, five chances created and three tackles made to deliver an outstanding performance.

“Alex demanded a place in the team with his performance, and he just needs to believe in himself. I certainly believe in him,” said Lampard post match.

On how Iwobi made the starting line up after playing a cameo role in the 4-1 defeat of Brighton in the FA Cup and being benched for the entire duration of the 3-1 loss to Newcastle at St Jmaes’ Park five days ago.

“One of the beauties of coming in like this is it’s a restart for everybody. What Alex has done is trained at a great level. He demanded a place in the team with his performance… He had to do a lot of work off the ball & he did everything.”