On Sunday afternoon, Nigerian international Alex Iwobi scored in a 3-2 win for Everton against Wolves. The goal was Iwobi’s second in as many games for the Toffees after a midweek effort against Lincoln in a 4-2 League Cup win.
It could have been even better for the former Arsenal star, as he struck the post on his Everton in a 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa after coming off the substitutes bench.
Iwobi a rising star at Arsenal
At Arsenal, Iwobi for so long was considered a bright young prospect, who could develop into a top player one day. However, he never really fulfilled his potential in north London.
A lack of regular first-team football was probably one of the main reasons for his development stalling. He would enjoy bright spells in the team, but the winger lacked consistency at times.
It became a catch-22 for the youngster, as he was not playing due to inconsistency, but could not develop as he was not playing. His lack of consistency led to Iwobi becoming a scapegoat at times amongst the Gunners fans.
Everton the ideal move
A move to Everton was too good to turn down. The Toffees are in the next group of clubs challenging for a top-six spot after the regular top-six. They have a big history and a rich owner to back their big ambitions for the future.
The Merseysider’s have spent big in an attempt to break into the top-six. At the minute, their squad looks pretty strong. The signing of Iwobi has only increased the quality within their squad.
The Nigerian international has shown in flashes for Arsenal. However, he is looking like he is enjoying life with the Toffees since his deadline day move. With more playing time, he will become a better player.
He has pace, strength, vision and the ability to take people on. It seems he has also added heading to his game in the last few matches. I cannot recall Iwobi scoring a header in his Arsenal career.
The two seem to match perfectly. Everton looks like a club going places and Iwobi is a player who arguably needed a move to kick-start his development. Judging by his first few showings in a blue shirt, Iwobi will likely get the game time he needs at Everton to help aid his development. Hopefully for the player and the club’s sake he will fulfil his potential on Merseyside.
Everton are realistic top-six contenders
Marco Silva’s team are by no means perfect. However, the likes of Fabian Delph and indeed Iwobi looked to have settled well instantly in their new surroundings. There are signs of something really promising within an inconsistent start to their campaign.
The Toffees may actually mount a realistic challenge for a top-six spot. According to the bookmakers, Everton are odds of 11/4 to finish in the top-six. Those odds make them the ‘best of the rest’.
Some sneered at the Merseysider’s signing Iwobi on deadline day. However, many of his biggest detractors were Arsenal fans, who were looking for a scapegoat for a poor few years and he was there.
In truth, Arsenal fans may have been slightly over critical of the 23-year-old, because he was a homegrown player. Often homegrown players receive the worst treatment from fans who want to vent their anger at poor team displays.
Arsenal’s loss may just very well be Everton’s gains. Alex Iwobi has made a bright start to the new phase of his career and he may well start fulfilling his potential in Marco Silva’s side.
Will Alex Iwobi start fulfilling his potential at Everton?
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