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Peter Akinbo
Football icons Owen Hargreaves and Rio Ferdinand have hailed Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi following his recent performances for Everton under Frank Lampard, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Despite Everton’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United over the weekend, it was Iwobi who opened the scoring at Goodison Park with a brilliant curling effort into the top corner, which gave David De Gea no chance.
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 No.8, 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.”
Ferdinand has also been singing the praises of Iwobi after the season he has been having for Everton.
Ferdinand told Vibe with Five that only one person has risen to the occasion better than Iwobi in the Premier League this season, after earlier struggles.
“What a strike,” he said. “After (Granit) Xhaka probably, who’s come back from the dead, he’s had the biggest sort of rebuild.”
Iwobi has started every Premier League game this season, registering one goal and three assists to help the Toffees into 12th place after nine games.