Alex Iwobi has said it is a joy to be part of Everton’s “fluid” and enterprising forward line – and there is plenty of scope for the Blues to improve following the current international break.
The forward has scored twice in his first two Everton starts – admitting he’s surprised even himself by converting with his head in successive matches – and smoothly bedded into Marco Silva’s side following his deadline-day switch from Arsenal.
Iwobi’s athletic leap and finish from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s wonderful right-wing delivery against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday followed his instinctive effort in last week’s Carabao Cup success at Lincoln City.
Urged by Silva to up his scoring rate when he arrived from the Emirates Stadium, Iwobi reckons his manager’s enterprising tactics are enabling him to answer that demand.
“The manager wanted me and Richarlison to stay wide and stretch Wolves as much as possible,” explained Iwobi.
“We did that and created space for Seamus [Coleman] and Lucas [Digne], which we used to our advantage.
“Everyone is buying into his ideas and it seems to be working.
“We knew how difficult it would be against Wolves, they have a strong team and are trying to compete for the top six.
“But we got the result, it has been a great start for me and we are back to winning ways, which is the main thing.
“We are playing a lot of attacking football, we score goals and have a lot of fluidity in the attacking third.”
Of the 15 goals he scored for Arsenal and six for Nigeria, only one was with his head – for the Gunners against Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day 2017.
“I don’t know what’s been happening, they [teammates] laugh at me when I try to head the ball in training,” said Iwobi.
“But the practice has been paying off.
“I was just trying keep it on target [against Wolves]. I didn’t know I could jump that high.
“I have been welcomed really warmly and I want to help my team with goals and assists whenever I can.
“I am enjoying myself and hopefully I will make more memories here.
“Our start has been okay and we will try to take that on after the international break.
“But there is always room for improvement.”
Trending
- Zamfara: Passengers overpower bandits, kill one, seize two AK-47 rifles
- Aston Villa confirm new Unai Emery contract until 2027
- NFF to inaugurate sub-committees on Wednesday
- EFCC arrests Sirika over alleged N8b fraud
- Alleged fraud: Court admits nurse to N50m bail
- I regret wearing bikinis, nudity – Rihanna
- N80.2bn fraud: Yahaya Bello disregarded invite – EFCC Chairman
- Oyebanji hails Alebiosu’s appointment as acting MD/CEO First Bank