Everton winger turned midfielder Alex Iwobi has had a stunning transformation since changing positions this season.
That is according to Everton reporter for the Liverpool Echo Adam Jones, who detailed his praise for the 26-year-old in an article for the media outlet.
Having signed for the Toffees from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £34m in the summer of 2019, Iwobi had struggled to set the world alight in the front-line for a number of different managers.
It looked like his career at Goodison Park was dwindling to a miserable conclusion, after the forward scored just four goals, and provided four assists in 83 Premier League appearances for the Merseyside club before the start of this season according to Transfermarkt.
However, manager Frank Lampard transformed the 58-time Nigeria international into a midfielder at the beginning of this season, something which seems to have been a revelation for the Premier League club.
And Jones was full of praise for the impact that Iwobi has had on the team from midfield so far this season.
“From someone much-maligned by large sections of the fanbase, from a player who didn’t seem to truly fit into any of the systems a selection of managers brought to Goodison Park – he’s now the first name on the teamsheet.
“He’s the most influential man in Frank Lampard ’s side, someone setting examples for the rest of the squad around him.”
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments
We agree with Jones and think that Lampard’s decision to convert Iwobi into a midfielder was a masterstroke from the former Chelsea manager.
The former Arsenal man has driven the Toffees forward from the middle of the park, and this shown in the fact that he ranks in the top 8% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for dribbles completed per 90 minutes (1.39), and top 12% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (2.55) over the last 365 days, according to FBref.
Therefore, we agree with Jones, and believe that Iwobi has indeed been the side’s most influential player on the pitch so far this season, with his performances potentially having a huge say in where Everton finish up this season.