Owen Hargreaves has claimed that Alex Iwobi has now become ‘undroppable’ in the colours of Everton after his latest performance under Frank Lampard, as he told Premier League Productions (09/10/22 at 7:55 pm).
Despite Everton’s defeat to Manchester United over the weekend, it was Iwobi who opened the scoring at Goodison Park with a quite brilliant curling effort into the top corner.
Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 700th club career goal to end Everton’s recent unbeaten run, it was still an encouraging performance from the Toffees.
There is certainly a different mood around Goodison Park this season, mainly down to the fact that it’s not Rafa Benitez in the dugout.
But Lampard has played a huge part in this Everton side looking far better, especially from a defensive aspect, than they have in recent years.
One of Lampard’s success stories so far has been Iwobi, who has transformed into an outstanding number eight, after struggling out wide.
“He is a revelation playing in there, he so much more explosive and powerful,” said Hargreaves.
“I think that’s what he gives you when he plays in here. Initially, he was always a winger, there is a transition, and Iwobi joins in, but he doesn’t have to. Back in the day, you would see players drop in there and force them.
“It was a fantastic finish. Under Frank, he has provided great energy in that midfield and if he can add goals to his game, then he’s undroppable.”
IWOBI’S TRANSFORMATION
It just goes to show how a bit of coaching and work on the training ground can transform a player that has previously been struggling.
Everton paid big bucks for Iwobi when he arrived from Arsenal in 2019, and under various managers, he didn’t show any signs of progress.
If he was booted out of the door during these past 18 months or so, then not many would have questioned that call.
But now, with Lampard moving the silky footballer into the middle of the park, he has transformed and is looking every inch of a top-quality player.
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