Jay-Jay Okocha has heaped praise on Everton and Frank Lampard for bringing the best out of Alex Iwobi.
Nigeria legend Okocha was in the stands at Goodison Park on Sunday as Iwobi curled in a stunning goal to give the Blues the lead over Manchester United. It was an immediate response to the challenge laid down by his manager Lampard, who had called on the 26-year-old to add goals after impressing in every other aspect of his game.
The strike was not enough to help Everton avoid defeat but the result did not dampen Okocha's pride at the progress made by Iwobi, his nephew, during Lampard's tenure.
Okocha believes Iwobi, who initially struggled after his move to Merseyside from Arsenal, is now living up to his potential under the guidance of Lampard and his coaching team. Iwobi has credited that management team, and the reflection he underwent after he was sent off for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations in January, as providing the foundation for a resurgence that initially began at right-wing-back. He was moved to the centre of midfield during an injury crisis at the beginning of this season and has not looked back, impressing to the extent that talks have been opened on a new contract. After he set up the match winner for Everton against Southampton, Lampard said Iwobi's next target was to get on the scoresheet - which he did after just five minutes on Sunday.
Okocha, who was watching in the stands, told the Everton club website: "It’s great to see him playing to his potential. We all knew that he’s got something special, but it’s taken him a little while to settle down and I also think playing under a great manager, who really wants to improve his game and has been playing him in his right position has made a big difference. Alex is down to earth. You can’t expect a player to give any more than he does. Whether it’s going well for him or not, you can guarantee he’ll put sweat on his jersey and that’s what you want from a player _ to give 100 per cent at any given time. That, for me, is the minimum requirement for a player and Alex gives that every time.
“I’ve always said to him that he can be too honest. But [playing in different positions] shows he is willing to sacrifice for the team, even if that affects his personal goals and performances. I’m glad to see him playing regularly in his natural position, where he can get on the ball and make things happen. I think Everton are enjoying the best of Alex now and we’re all delighted that he’s playing well."
The former Bolton Wanderers, Paris Saint Germain and Fenerbahce star said that Nigeria were also benefitting from Iwobi's development at Goodison Park, adding: “He has taken on the baton and he’s running with it. Unfortunately, we’re not going to be at the World Cup but Alex has made a great impact and he’s improved the team. We love him playing for the Super Eagles. The future looks bright because of players like him now, bringing back their experiences from Europe home to Nigeria. That is what we want. We have to thank Everton for Alex’s development. I think all his improvement and all his good work here, we are benefiting from as Nigerians. I would say thank you to Everton."
Praising Lampard for his role in Iwobi's resurgance, Okocha said: “He was such a great player and his record speaks for itself. It was a delight to have played against him and also to have watched him play. I’m so happy he’s passing on his football knowledge now as a manager and I’m not surprised he’s doing well as a manager."
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