How Alex Iwobi became Everton’s most important player

The performances of Super Eagles and Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi have received massive applause from all over.

Fans have been impressed and well entertained while alaysts have used all kinds of adjectives to describe his laudable displays.

The greatest beneficiary of the Nigerian’s improved showings are Everton and coach Frank Lampard. Since the former England international arrived, Iwobi has been in scintillating form for the Toffees. His darting runs, penetration, incisive passes, athleticism, tenacity and versatility are almost second to none.

A lot of fans have argued that a great player will adapt under any manager and/or atmosphere. Iwobi’s case is that of a player simply being trusted enough to play in his most preferred position.

Luckily for Everton, that is what Lampard has done with the 26-year-old and it’s yielding benefits. Since his arrival from Arsenal for some £28 million (rising to £34 million with potential add-ons) in the summer of 2019, never has his overall input to the Merseyside club been this praised.

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His best role so far…

While at Arsenal, the former England U17 player was largely used from the flanks. Having watched Iwobi for years, the player hasn’t been the best of suppliers, dribblers or passers from the flanks.

His best outings – for Arsenal, Everton or the Nigeria national team – have always been from the central midfield role.

Indeed Iwobi has worked under different coaches at Everton and the debate about his best position has been long-drawn. The player once confessed that his best position was either as a number 8 or 10.

Sending Nigeria through to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Iwobi’s first international goal came against Zambia in 2017. It was a World Cup qualifier played at the God’s will Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

He came off the bench to operate in the number 8 role and was brilliant, getting that decisive goal in the 73rd minute.
That is only an instance of his great outings in that number eight role with the Super Eagles.

Of course, we cannot deny the fact that the midfielder has had several inconsistent performances during the course of his career but at 26, he has enough years ahead of him to keep improving his craft.

Lampard gets the credit

The latest of his brilliant showings was against West Ham in the Premier League. He bossed the midfield with aplomb, dictating the pace and showing great energy. He was precise with his passing and exhibited a high level of quick thinking.

For Everton, Alex Iwobi’s overall performances have greatly witnessed a turnaround. He has credited Lampard as the secret behind his commendable performances, saying the manager has given him freedom to express himself.

“I didn’t get off to a great start [at Everton]. I always have the mindset to prove people wrong. The manager has given me faith to do so, and he allows me to express myself like I do in training. I have been able to do that in matches to repay the faith,” Iwobi said.

“Ever since I came through as an [Arsenal] academy player, I have always liked to move the ball forward on a half turn. Now I’m taking the full turn and trying to get up the pitch,” he added.

He capped off his man-of-the-match performance with an assist for Neal Maupay, who scored his first Everton goal. The win was also the club’s first in the league.

The feat means Iwobi had assisted three of Everton’s last four goals in all competitions. Iwobi has had a great time since the end of last season when he helped the Toffees escape relegation.

Asked about his decisive pass to Maupay to get his goal, Iwobi was excited.

“I’m glad you remember! Anything I can do to create chances for my teammates, and I trust them to hit the back of the net and Neal was able to do that,” he added.

Already a fan favourite

Proving to be very vital for the Goodison Park faithful, he has turned to a fans favourite at the club.

Iwobi finished the match with the most final third entries of any Everton player (13). He also got the most shots (two), the most touches (74) and chances created (two). The Nigerian had more than double the amount of final third passes of any of his team-mates (34).

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Furthermore, he had the most take-ons (four) and possessions won in the final third (two). For Alex Iwobi, it was simply a dominant outing that summarized the Everton man’s recent performances.

His overall performance has earned him a nomination in the EA SPORTS Player of the Month for September. The winner of the prize will be announced later in week.

Other nominees are Jacob Ramsey, Philip Billing, Kevin De Bruyne, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Marcus Rashford.

After scoring for Nigeria in a test game on Saturday, Iwobi is expected to feature for the Super Eagles against Algeria on Tuesday.