The hard work and patience finally appears to be paying dividends for Alex Iwobi, who has opened the new English football season with impressive displays. Under the guidance of Spanish coach Rafa Benitez, the Nigerian winger could be set to discover the best form of his career, unlocking the full potential this talented footballer always possessed.
Iwobi was born in Lagos but moved to England via Turkey aged four, then grew up in the London borough of Newham. He is actually the maternal nephew of Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okacha, who is often regarded as one of the best African players of all time. Undoubtedly a huge inspiration, it was clear the youngster would always follow the footsteps of his uncle.
Arsenal development & representing Nigeria
As a youngster still in primary school, Iwobi joined the Arsenal academy system, although his pathway to professionalism was never guaranteed, nearly being released by the club at the ages of 14 and 16. Nevertheless, aided by his own self-belief and the determination to succeed, Iwobi eventually debuted with the Gunners first team in October 2015.
The first two appearances with Nigeria also followed in 2015. Despite having initially represented England at youth level, when the call came from the Super Eagles, it was too good to resist. Meanwhile, the positive progress continued at Arsenal, as Iwobi gradually became a more important member of the squad under Arsène Wenger.
Alex Iwobi opens up on Arsene Wenger's departure
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball)
Having made 21 appearances in all competitions during his 2015-16 debut season, Iwobi played 38 games in the 2016-17 campaign, then continued to underline his qualities during the 2017-18 season by making 39 appearances. That was the final campaign with Wenger at the helm, as the iconic Frenchman .
Interestingly, when Spanish coach Unai Emery arrived at the Gunners, it also led to Iwobi gaining a more important role within the team. During the 2018-19 season, Iwobi made 51 appearances in all competitions, which remains his most through any single season to date. However, he would also find that was no guarantee regarding his Arsenal future.
Move to Everton & struggles at Goodison Park
After participating at the 2019 African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, rumours were already beginning to circulate about Iwobi’s future at Arsenal. There was interest from Everton and with the Gunners already planning a rebuild of their squad, they accepted an offer worth £34 million in August 2019.
Portuguese coach Marco Silva was manager of Everton at the time, although following a string of bad results, he was fired in December 2019. The Toffees turned to experienced manager Carlo Ancelotti, tasking him with turning the team’s fortunes around. While the Italian did bring improved performances, Iwobi struggled to get regular games through the 2019-20 campaign.
??Ancelotti on Alex Iwobi.
?"I read the post that he did. I would like to know his preferred position because usually I want to put players on the pitch where they are comfortable to play. If he has an idea of where he prefers to play, I have to know. I want to know.”
— The Everton End (@TheEvertonEnd)
Having made 21 appearances in all competitions during his 2015-16 debut season, Iwobi played 38 games in the 2016-17 campaign, then continued to underline his qualities during the 2017-18 season by making 39 appearances. That was the final campaign with Wenger at the helm, as the iconic Frenchman .
Interestingly, when Spanish coach Unai Emery arrived at the Gunners, it also led to Iwobi gaining a more important role within the team. During the 2018-19 season, Iwobi made 51 appearances in all competitions, which remains his most through any single season to date. However, he would also find that was no guarantee regarding his Arsenal future.
Move to Everton & struggles at Goodison Park
After participating at the 2019 African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, rumours were already beginning to circulate about Iwobi’s future at Arsenal. There was interest from Everton and with the Gunners already planning a rebuild of their squad, they accepted an offer worth £34 million in August 2019.
Portuguese coach Marco Silva was manager of Everton at the time, although following a string of bad results, he was fired in December 2019. The Toffees turned to experienced manager Carlo Ancelotti, tasking him with turning the team’s fortunes around. While the Italian did bring improved performances, Iwobi struggled to get regular games through the 2019-20 campaign.
It hasn't always translated into actual goal contributions, but Iwobi's underlying creative numbers have ranked amongst the best at Everton for some time. There have been flaws to his game beyond the numbers, but maybe this is the season it comes together.
— David Hughes (@DAHughes_)
Despite the sensation of always being on the fringe of things at Everton, unable to carve out an important role in the team thus far, it seems as though Benitez has been willing to take a gamble with Iwobi. In the first three games of the season, two in the Premier League and one in the League Cup, Iwobi has been in the starting eleven twice and played from the bench once. He has repaid the faith of his boss with one goal and one assist.
Iwobi , eager to repay the confidence and faith that Benitez has bestowed. Likewise, the Spanish coach doesn’t believe that selecting the Nigerian winger brings any risks, fully confident the 25-year-old has the ability to finally shine at Goodison Park. That’s great news for Iwobi and if he can maintain the consistency required, this could be a marvellous campaign he can truly enjoy.
Pivotal opportunity for Iwobi & the Super Eagles
Hopefully, the quality form of Iwobi will continue at Everton and this could really be a boost for his career. Inevitably, improved confidence and performances from the player will also be good news for Nigeria, as they seek to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Whenever in top shape, Iwobi has the talent to be a valuable asset for his national team.
