Everton star Alexander Iwobi is gradually coming of age, writes IKENWA NNABUOGOR…
One Super Eagle who is certainly enjoying his time in the highly glamorous Premier League in England will be Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi, the 24-year-old has been growing from strength to strength.
The former Arsenal ace is clearly one of manager Carlo Ancelloti’s trusted players at Goodison Park as the Lagos-born star is fast cementing his place in the first team.
Iwobi wasn’t this self-exerting when Ancelotti switched places from Naples in December 2019 and close watchers were waiting and watching what would become of the player in a new Everton.
But Iwobi has proved doubters wrong by churning out impressive displays that have also caught the eye of clubs both in England and beyond.
He didn’t come this far without breaking a sweat as times went by, Iwobi shrugged off initial not-too-impressive showings to become one of ‘The Toffees’ mainstays and the fans will have no choice than to ask for more from the star who’s also gradually taking charge in the Eagles spineless midfield.
Ancelloti came with intimidating records that would ordinarily strike awe in any average Toffee faithful and an Ancelloti stuff would not always refuse to settle for less and Everton must provide every weapon for the 59-year-old Italian to strike and take the blue side of Merseyside off their sleeping giants’ mode.
Iwobi had switched from Arsenal in the summer just before Ancelloti arrived in December 2019 and must impress the big Italian to keep his £25 million price tag and it appears lately that Iwobi has quickly come good.
No doubt, Iwobi is full of energy and running and he has really struggled through composure and confidence to hold down his shirt at the star-studded Liverpool outfit.
Brazilian midfielder Allan left Napoli alongside Ancelotti and James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure joined up from Real Madrid and Watford to provide more steel and energy in ‘The Toffees’ midfield.
Iceland international Gylfi Sigurdsson and Portuguese star Andre Gomes had been keeping things busy before Ancelloti arrived and the Italian had no choice than to keep them.
Where will be Iwobi’s place in this impressive midfield with the arrival of Ancelloti?
Typically, Iwobi has not disappointed and made every of his sweat count, but struggled to show enough promise in front of goal. He has made that up interestingly with his assists that have ended Everton up as winners in a number of games this season.
His first effort thus far this season came Tuesday night as he struck for the first time since January 9, 2019, scoring in Everton’s 3-2 home win against same Wolves, he incidentally broke his duck.
What is putting smiles on Ancelloti’s hard-to-impress face is Iwobi’s commanding presence in the midfield as he continues to prove his worth game after game and it appears Ancelloti isn’t letting go of his Nigerian jewel anytime soon.
Still only 24, and belting a total of 40 league appearances thus far for Everton and counting, Iwobi will only have himself to blame if he loses this momentum.
His impressive Everton form is indeed having a tripling effect on Super Eagles and Iwobi clearly brings his new-found spirit, mobility, staying power and maturity in a midfield that has struggled to keep it’s grit and steel since former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi left the scene two years ago.
Iwobi was sadly the only spark that managed to breathe some life in the Eagles engine room in their last four games that left fans disappointed and calling for Gernot Rohr’s head.
His uncle Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha led his men well both on and off the pitch and it appears his shoes will continue to remain too big for the youngster until he puts on his uncle’s magical boots.
Tall order if you dare to say, Iwobi’s style, though a bit similar to his uncle’s, but nowhere near his dribbling wizardry and it will take something extraordinary and almost out of this world for Iwobi to match his uncle’s record particularly with the national team.
He is certainly not another ‘Jay Jay’, but could be something close and he has many more years to carve another niche for himself and bring back those lost exciting moments fans crave for in the Eagles.
His encouraging Everton displays these days as a wingback can guarantee he steps up to the next level and fully dominate for both club and country, just like his uncle did in his hey days.
Ancelloti can fix this for him and with the way he’s going at the moment, Iwobi could have his world on his feet.
Perhaps, Everton will cash in big time on Iwobi in the coming years and by the time one of the top spenders burst the bank for him, Eagles could benefit immensely and perhaps, the fans would be more at home with a cloned ‘Jay Jay’.
Iwobi, on the evidence of his current Everton form, is surely on his way to greatness.
