Why Everton should keep hold of Alex Iwobi this summer
According to the Mirror, Everton are planning a clear-out of a lot of their fringe players after the acquisitions of James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Among those players is Alex Iwobi who arrived at the club last summer from Arsenal.
Profile
Alex Iwobi, 24, is a product of Arsenal’s academy and spent 11 years in the youth side, while moving across the underage teams.
In 2015, he was promoted to Arsenal’s first team and debuted on October 2015 in a game against Sheffield Wednesday. He made 21 appearances that season, scoring 2 goals. (h/t Transfermarkt)
It was from 2016, that Iwobi started getting regular game time at the Emirates. The Nigerian went on to make a total of 149 appearances for the club. During that time, he scored 15 goals and assisted 27 more (h/t Transfermarkt).
In 2019, Everton signed him for a huge transfer fee. He made his debut against Aston Villa and scored his first goal against Lincoln City. So far, Iwobi has made 29 appearances for the Toffees, scored two goals and assisted one more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Despite playing at youth level for England, Iwobi pledged his allegiance to Nigeria, his country of birth. He has played 38 games for the Nigerian national team and scored 6 times. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Why Everton should keep Alex Iwobi
Iwobi hasn’t performed as expected of him since making the move to Everton. So, it would seem logical on the club’s part to offload a player, especially after all the new signings. However, it would be rather hasty from the club’s point of view if they sell him after just one year and spending £34m.
He was one of the brightest prospects to come out of Arsenal’s academy and performed decently for the Gunners during his spell at the club. Everton did sign him on a five-year deal and should try to give him at least another season to prove himself before listening to offers for him.
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Verdict
Everton have a number of players who play in Iwobi’s position. Bernard is currently first-choice and Anthony Gordon is quickly emerging as a challenger. Iwobi, however, is very versatile and can play in other positions if required. He can play on the right wing and also as an attacking midfielder.
It is just good sense to keep a utility player around as it will give Carlo Ancelotti a lot of options to switch things around. He can be a good squad option to have around with so many games to play during the season. Everton should give Iwobi some time before deciding to put him on the market.
