Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha believed Alex Iwobi is now fulfilling his potential with Everton and believes Frank Lampard is the ideal manager to help his nephew continue his impressive form for both club and country.
Okocha, who was named Nigerian Footballer of the Year seven times during a distinguished career through the 1990s and 2000s, was in attendance at Goodison Park as Iwobi struck a stunning opener against Manchester United last weekend.
That goal — Iwobi’s first of the campaign — was the latest standout moment in a long list of personal highlights since Lampard took the managerial reins at the end of January this year.
“It’s great to see him playing to his potential,” Okocha told Everton Live, the Club’s live pre-match show. “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.
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“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’” the former Bolton and PSG star added.