test

Football today on TV and STREAM: All information

test linking Commentary

Testing FAQ for Betting Articles

Test of new MSU logic - 17.12

Editors' Picks

i am from the future

Short headline

test whatsapp feed

Test Video - March 2025

test recovery updates

bla bla bla

Alex Iwobi: What to expect in 2021-22

It's not easy to analyse Alex Iwobi’s 2020/21 campaign at Everton. Some weeks were gratifying to witness, others not so much.
At times, the Nigeria superstar looked to be on the cusp of finally becoming a key player under Carlo Ancelotti, on other occasions the attacking midfielder was being left out of the XI or squad altogether.

It was neither one thing nor the other in Iwobi’s second full season at the club and he’d hope to be third-time lucky under Rafael Benitez’s management.

The former Arsenal talent worked his way into the squad after initial exclusions but had to make do with a wing-back role in the autumn.

In truth, the Super Eagle thrived in that position, particularly due to his aggressive ball-carrying from deep, dribbling and intermittent early crosses into the box causing problems for opponents.

However, as Everton’s season devolved into Goodison Park chaos and indifference on the road, so too did Iwobi’s campaign.

The West African wasn’t helped by Ancelotti’s constant chopping and changing of his position and roles, with the mish-mash in approach failing to get the best out of the 25-year-old constantly.

In the end, the ex-Arsenal man’s campaign petered out — he was an unused substitute in four of Everton’s last seven games — somewhat reflecting Ancelotti’s wavering trust as the Merseyside club clung to fading hopes of playing in Europe.

The story of last season

None. Despite the arrivals of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, Iwobi’s expected to play out 21/22 at Goodison Park.

Any transfer talk?

Despite the fan revolt after Benitez’s appointment, there’s a sense his tactical acumen could help Iwobi at a pivotal point in his career.
At 25, the Nigerian can ill-afford even more tactical uncertainty and he’ll hope to become a key figure in the Toffees’ side under the ex-Liverpool boss.

Of course, nothing is set in stone and the competition for places suggest the Nigeria playmaker might easily find himself in and out of the side just as he was under Benitez’s predecessors.

Best/worst case scenarios for 2021-22

While the new Everton boss hasn’t singled out Iwobi, his early remarks about improving individuals had to be music to the Nigerian’s ears.
“It is crucial for players to feel you care about them and want to improve them – and that you can do it [oversee improvement],” Benitez told <a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2190976/benitez-on-what-he-can-prove-at-everton" target="_blank">Everton TV</a> in July. “I have passion one-on-one when I coach them.

“I think they can feel this passion and will try to make sure next time they can do this or that. Give them the chance to find the solution, so they will learn for the future.

“Fundamentally, if you want to improve your team, improve the individuals, then improve the mentality of all of them together.”

What are they saying?

One of Gernot Rohr’s trusted players, Iwobi definitely has a guaranteed spot in the Super Eagles squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Having started six times in Nigeria’s Afcon campaign in 2019, the Everton man remains a key player under the German tactician.

Thus, the 25-year-old is tipped to play a central role in the West African nation's push to claim a fourth continental title in Cameroon.

What role will Iwobi play at the Afcon?

It seems too early to call, given the manager has barely had time to implement his ideas. While the Nigeria star has understandably had game time in pre-season, you fear where Richarlison’s return, James Rodriguez staying put and the new arrivals leave him.
Indeed, Iwobi may have to make do with remaining a rotational option in Benitez’s debut campaign at Finch Farm.

One thing is largely certain, though: the Nigerian is going to have clear, defined roles under the Spaniard.

Undoubtedly, that is longed-for after last season’s confusing utilisation of the West African!

Goal's prediction for 2021-22

Alex Iwobi: What to expect in 2021-22 | Goal.com

Is Rafael Benitez the man to finally trust and get the best out of Alex Iwobi at Everton?