Eyoma relishing his increased role at the Imps
TJ Eyoma is enjoying his role within the Lincoln City system, with the added purpose and confidence about his game being picked up on by his team-mates.
The 23-year-old has started the last seven league games as part of a back three, having been unfancied towards the end of Mark Kennedy’s tenure as Lincoln boss.
His new boss Mike Skubala and the interim choice before him Tom Shaw have taken a liking to the young defender and given him a chance to shine as part of a back three, with the Imps picking up clean sheets in three of the last five games.
City were not at their best with the ball against Reading at the weekend, with the defensive performance ultimately earning them a point with Eyoma along with his centre-back partners Adam Jackson and Paudie O’Connor being singled out for praise by Skubala after the game.
The former Tottenham Hotspur academy player is enjoying his Lincoln resurgence, playing in a way that suits his game and therefore brings the best out of him.
He said: “I’m enjoying it. Whoever plays, we do a job, but we three are hopefully doing enough to keep our shirt, and we’re continuing to work hard in training.
“Adam Jackson and Paudie O’Connor are very experienced players, and I’m just trying to improve and learn from them every day and it is a good experience for me.
“My first job is to defend, but when the opportunity arises, if I can be a part of the attacks then I will because I like doing that and have been given license to by the gaffer.
“It was a tough game – [Reading] are a really good side. I feel like where they are in the league doesn’t reflect the team they are.
“I thought we started well in the first half, and I thought a point was a fair result in the end.”
Eyoma’s performances in recent weeks have been picked up on by his team-mates as well, with Jackson recently commenting on his form and the importance of the competitive environment he and the other defenders have created within the club.
“I think he has been brilliant,” added Jackson. “He seems to have a bit more confidence in himself, and I’ve always felt like he is one of the best one-on-one defenders at the club.
“He’s comfortable on the ball as well so he suits this system perfectly. He is one of many leaders we have at the back because we have a great view of the game from our position.
“The competition for places at the back is really strong, but we know everyone is good enough to step in when needed, and they’ll all get a chance at some point so it is just about taking it when you do.”