Paul Merson has claimed that former Arsenal winger, Alex Iwobi, ‘flatters to deceive’ at Everton.
It has been nearly three years since the Toffees paid Arsenal £34 million for his services from Arsenal (BBC Sport) and Merson stated in a blunt fashion ‘I’m not his biggest fan’.
Under Frank Lampard, as the Toffees aim to secure Premier League safety, Iwobi has been a regular under the former midfielder.
And whilst they suffered a crushing 3-2 defeat to Brentford over the weekend, Iwobi has still been one of Everton’s better players in recent weeks.
A win at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday night will secure their safety in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, this was the verdict Merson provided of Iwobi, whilst speaking to Sky Sports News.
“I’m not his biggest fan, if I am being honest,” said Merson. “I think he flatters to deceive.
“But I think he has turned up. He has done well and worked from a base. And his work for the team.
“What he does well is he takes the team up the pitch. When you are in a team that aren’t great, Iwobi will get you up the pitch.
“He should get more goals. And he should get more assists.”
HAS IWOBI IMPROVED SINCE BEING SOLD BY ARSENAL?
When Everton put big money on the table for Iwobi’s services, it was met with a lot of question marks.
The versatile winger was still trying to make a name for himself on the Emirates turf, even though he was starting to become an experienced player.
The criticism of him needing to score and assist more is probably a valid one because, from 181 Premier League games, he only has 15 goals and 23 assists.
In comparison, Saka, who also came through Hale-End like Iwobi, has 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League this season alone.
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