Frank Lampard praised Frank Onyeka after what he described as an outstanding debut for Coventry City in their 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough on Monday night, Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria international, who joined the Sky Blues on transfer deadline day, delivered an assured display in midfield as Coventry returned to the top of the Championship table, while their automatic promotion rivals slipped to second place.
The 28-years-old was deployed alongside Matt Grimes in a pairing that gave Coventry greater solidity and energy in the centre of the pitch. His pressing, ball recovery and ability to drive forward were central to the hosts’ dominant performance.
Lampard said the midfielder brought intensity and composure to the side, highlighting his ability to read the game and cover ground quickly. He said the former Brentford player’s presence had an immediate impact on the team.
“He was outstanding – the energy, the ball winning,” Lampard said as quoted by Coventry Telegraph.
“He did great. He was so visible on the eye, you know, his pressing, his break up and quality on the ball. He reads stuff and gets on the move so quickly. He can eat up ground and he can play as well.
“When you bring in a player of that level I think it gives everybody a lift. I expected that from him. He’s played in the Premier League and for his national team but it’s not easy coming into a game at that level in this league. It’s tough and it just looked like it was there.”
Lampard had previously described Onyeka as offering a different profile to his existing midfield options, and he said the performance against Middlesbrough justified that view.
“I said before he’s a different profile for us and he completely showed it,” he said. “He’s looked like that a bit in training.
“I didn’t have too many whys about him because I know the player that I felt that we brought to the club. He’s played in the Premier League, he’s played for his international team in AFCON recently and I’m really, really happy with him.”
Onyeka, who is on loan from Brentford with an obligation to make the move permanent if Coventry secure promotion, played 75 minutes before being replaced by Victor Torp.
Lampard explained that the midfielder was withdrawn after showing signs of fatigue, having had limited game time at Brentford this season.
“He was tired and cramping up, that’s why he had to come off, but he’s going to get fitter,” he said.
“But his impact was high and I’m very, very pleased for him.”