The 26-year-old has largely struggled to live up to expectations at Everton, since joining from Arsenal in the summer of 2019.
Iwobi has been one of the players regularly on the receiving end of criticism from the Toffees faithful, but he has impressed in recent outings, much to the delight of the fans as the club look to climb away from the drop zone.
Former Everton defender Ball is of the view that Iwobi has taken his game to the next level under Lampard’s watchful eye, putting in extra effort on the pitch, especially in recent games.
Ball feels Iwobi has finally understood what Everton represent, and what the fans want from their players, which is a big positive for him and the club.
“Alex Iwobi has been a totally different player under Lampard of late”, Ball wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.
“Yes, we know what he’s like on the ball but his work rate is now shining through and his enthusiasm is rubbing off.
“When he did that 40-yard sprint about four times a few games ago and the crowd cheered every yard of it, I think that’s when he ‘got’ Everton and the Everton fans.
“You can sense that he wants that cheer from the crowd and he’s putting that extra effort in.
“That’s not his natural game, he’s added that.
“Since he came to the club he’s been generally underwhelming and his performances haven’t been anywhere near the levels that we’d have expected but the energy, effort and desire plus his ability when he’s had the ball to create opportunities under Lampard these last few weeks have gone to a different level which is fantastic to see.”
Everton are back on the road again in the Premier League and will take on Leicester City on Sunday, which will be another must-win game for the Toffees as they look to ensure top flight survival.
