Lampard talks up Awoniyi threat ahead Arsenal clash
Frank Lampard, the coach of newly promoted English Premier League club, Coventry City has talked up the threat posed by Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi.
The former Chelsea player and coach who was speaking ahead of the EPL opener against Arsenal said that he knows what Awoniyi is capable of from his time playing at Nottingham Forest.
“In terms of Taiwo (Awoniyi), we know him from what he’s done at Nottingham Forest and I always thought he was a threat as an opponent,” Lampard told the BBC.
“I think with Sidiki (Cherif), he will be different to Taiwo, but it is a positive move from the club because we like to try and develop players.”
Lampard, (a former England international football player) also alluded that he is banking on Awoniyi’s desire to revive his career after failing to secure regular playing time at Nottingham Forest.
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“There is a reason why Taiwo left Nottingham Forest and come to us. We really like him and hope he’s going to be great for us. We are aware of that and I would flip that to the mental side of Taiwo, probably he is frustrated with game time.
“So, I like a player that is hungry to play and get his minutes, of course, we have to look after him and prepare him. But, I like a player that wanted to be the man and play more minutes,” Lampard added.
Reports say Lampard relentlessly pushed to secure the services of the experienced forward who has played for clubs in Germany, Belgium and Holland for a hefty sum to lead the attack of his young side ahead of the new football season.
The 29-year-old striker now joins his compatriot, and fellow Super Eagles teammate Frank Onyeka, who also permanently moved from Brentford this summer following a successful promotion campaign on loan at the West Midlands based club in England.
Awoniyi is now expected to make his competitive debut for his new club when they kick off their highly anticipated campaign in the EPL on August 21 against reigning Premier League champions Arsenal FC.
