Jermain Defoe has claimed that Arsenal academy product Alex Iwobi looks a ‘different player’ at Everton, as he told Premier League Productions (05/11/22 at 5:25 pm).
The Tottenham academy coach added that Iwobi is now allowed to play more ‘off-the-cuff’ under Frank Lampard at Goodison Park.
“They have a top goalkeeper (Jordan Pickford), Calvert-Lewin coming back and then there is Iwobi,” said Defoe.
“He seems like a different player. He plays in that position, that number ten, where he can play more off-the-cuff. Not focusing too much tactically on the other side of the game and that has helped him.”
IWOBI’S TURNAROUND
Iwobi came through Arsenal’s ranks under the stewardship of Arsene Wenger, displaying a silky nature to his game and the ability to carry the ball forward.
He wasn’t someone that had an explosive nature to his game or played with a great deal of aggression, but he would get on the ball in tight situations and showcase his trickery.
Despite that, he couldn’t really put his foot on the accelerator at the Emirates and was sold by the club for £35 million in 2019 to Everton (Sky Sports).
At the time, many questioned the price-tag, and they were right to do so, because up until Lampad’s appointment at Goodison in January, he was struggling.
But he has now found a new lease of life under the legendary midfielder, playing a more central role and being that creator for the Toffees.
Things couldn’t go as Everton would have liked as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
But, during the overall picture under Lampard, the recently-departed Richarlison, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Iwobi have been the club’s shining lights.
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