Iwobi recalled returning to Everton following a red card in Nigeria’s round-of-16 loss to Tunisia at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), only to be told by then-manager Rafa Benitez that he would be sent out on loan.
"There was one AFCON where I got sent off. Came back, and they said, 'Alex, you’re gonna go on a loan.' Although this was Rafa Benitez, I wasn’t really playing like that," Iwobi said. "I went to AFCON, wasn’t really playing, then I played in the round of 16, got sent off. Came back thinking, 'Oh my God, I’m having a mare. I’m probably never gonna play.'"
The turning point came when Benitez departed and Lampard took charge at Goodison Park. Even then, Iwobi was initially told a loan move was still on the table—but this time, he refused.
"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," he said.
Iwobi credits Lampard’s management style for the revival of his career. Unlike previous managers, who asked him to fit into rigid tactical roles on the wing, Lampard encouraged him to express himself, starting with training sessions.
"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," Iwobi explained.
The most transformative change came when Lampard deployed Iwobi in central midfield, a position where he felt most comfortable on the ball.
"Then Lampard played me, 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 revitalized my career. My career started playing regularly and making impactful things in the game. So yeah, I’ll say Lampard, man, my best time."
Iwobi went on to become one of Everton’s most consistent performers in the following seasons and eventually earned a move to Fulham, where he continues to impress in the Premier League.