Alex Iwobi signing a new contract at Everton would be a “big boost” to the club, as per journalist Paul Brown via GIVEMESPORT.
What’s the latest on Iwobi’s contract talks?
The Nigeria international midfielder’s contract expires in the summer of 2024, which means Everton will need to look to tie down the 26-year-old soon, with Football Insider reporting that the two parties are in advanced talks over an extension.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown said:
“I think a new contract for Iwobi would be a big boost. He’s made a case for Everton’s player of the season. Some of his production has tailed away in recent weeks, but I still think he’s one of their most dangerous players.
“He seems to unlock defences better than most of his teammates can. If you watch most of the situations that Everton score from, he seems to have been a part of those moves, whether it’s the beginning or the end of them.”
Is a new contract deserved?
The £120k-per-week midfielder, who has been lauded as “exceptional” by former Chelsea defender Frank Lebouef, has become a resurgent player this season, as he has developed into playing the no.8 role in Everton’s side.
The 26-year-old has appeared in all 28 of Everton’s Premier League matches this season, where he has scored one goal and accrued six assists. The Nigeria international also ranks second out of the Merseyside club’s attacking players via WhoScored, thus showing that he has been a consistent performer under Lampard and Dyche’s tenures.
One caveat of Iwobi’s game which has improved is his dribbling when pushing Everton forward, which is particularly important when in a relegation-threatened side. The former Arsenal midfielder ranks within the top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 22% for progressive carries, as per FBref.
Speaking on Iwobi’s form, his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha said to Everton Live:
“It’s great to see him playing to his potential. We all knew that he’s got something special, but it’s taken him a little while to settle down and I also think playing under a great manager, who really wants to improve his game and has been playing him in his right position has made a big difference.
“Alex is down to earth. You can’t expect a player to give any more than he does. Whether it’s going well for him or not, you can guarantee he’ll put sweat on his jersey and that’s what you want from a player to give 100 per cent at any given time. That, for me, is the minimum requirement for a player and Alex gives that every time.”
In the relegation-threatened Merseyside side, Iwobi has stood out as a bright light. A new contract should be high on Everton’s priority list for the 26-year-old.