'The other managers always sub me first' - Iwobi thanks Lampard for showing faith in him

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has shown his appreciation to Everton manager Frank Lampard for putting his faith in him. 

Iwobi has had a recent upturn in form for Everton that has coincided with the arrival of former Chelsea manager Lampard at the Goodison Park.

Despite battling relegation, the 26-year-old Nigerian has been of the shining lights of the Everton side under Lampard's tenure.

Iwobi told Liverpool Echo that his improved performances have been down to his increased time on the pitch, playing more games and more minutes for the Merseyside club under Lampard. 

The Super Eagles star admitted that under former managers at Everton, he was always the first player to be substituted but that has changed under the Chelsea legend.

Iwobi said: "I have normally been the first one dragged off. Now, the manager has faith in my ability to run for 90 minutes, to give the same level of effort for the whole game.

"It is nice when I look over and see it's not my number. I think, I have another five or ten minutes, at least, to keep battling for the team. 

"To help us win, or come back for a draw, like against Leicester in the last home game. It gives me a massive confidence boost and I appreciate it."

The former Arsenal Academy player said that once the final whistle goes and he has played the full 90 minutes, he drops on the pitch and he is happy that he has gone through the full match. 

"I still can't help, when I see someone is about to get dragged, thinking, 'Is it going to be number 17?'. In the game, I feel I can run non-stop," Iwobi admitted. 

"As soon as the final whistle goes, I am shattered and think, 'How have I done that?'. I have been dropping on the pitch, falling on my knees or to the floor. It comes on instantly, the feeling of, 'I am done'.

Iwobi has played the full 90 minutes in the League for the last 8 matches, scoring once against Newcastle.

He was on the pitch from start to finish as Everton picked up a shock 1-0 victory against Lampard's former side Chelsea on Sunday. 

Overall, Iwobi has contributed three (3) goals and two (2) assists to Everton's cause this season as the club remain in 18th place, two points behind 17th-placed Leeds United.