Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi has discussed his current run of strong Everton form while also looking back on the reaction to a recent mistake he made against West Ham United. The midfielder has been one of the highlights of the side in recent matches, earning huge plaudits from those in the stands for his purposeful and energetic displays. After being told of the reaction from many Evertonians to stand up for him despite the mistake, he admitted he doesn’t allow himself to dwell on those moments.
Alex Iwobi said: “Really? I didn’t know…that’s good. I might have been criticised in the past. The mistake was so annoying. I was enjoying the game, I felt I was doing well and creating chances. Then that little slip cost us a point, maybe three points. But you can’t dwell over these little moments, you can’t stay too high or too low, because the next game comes so quickly.”
Iwobi has struggled for consistent form for much of his time at Goodison Park since making the move to the club in the summer of 2019. This current run of form is seen as his best as Frank Lampard is showing a lot of faith in the midfielder. He, however, admits he still can’t shake the feeling that he might be substituted whenever he sees the fourth official raising the board on the touchline. But, he’s delighted to be given the opportunities to consistently prove himself.
Alex Iwobi added: “I still can’t help, when I see someone is about to get dragged, thinking, ‘Is it going to be number 17?’. In the game, I feel I can run non-stop. As soon as the final whistle goes, I am shattered and think, ‘How have I done that?’. I have been dropping on the pitch, falling on my knees or to the floor. It comes on instantly, the feeling of, ‘I am done’. I have normally been the first one dragged off. Now, the manager has faith in my ability to run for 90 minutes, to give the same level of effort for the whole game. It is nice when I look over and se it’s not my number. I think, I have another five or ten minutes, at least, to keep battling for the team, to help us win, or come back for a draw, like against Leicester in the last home game. It gives me a massive confidence boost and I appreciate it.”
His huge amounts of energy and off-the-ball work have been highlighted by many supporters and pundits in recent weeks. He’s been one of the shining stars of the side in that sense. And Iwobi revealed that a set of blood tests conducted by the whole squad at the beginning of the campaign hinted at this being very possible for him.
Alex Iwobi remarked: “They showed I can be one of the best runners in the team. I don’t know the specifics, I don’t understand the science, it is something to do with lactate. Doucs [Abdoulaye Doucoure], Andros [Townsend] and I were top. It’s weird, it’s always been there. I have always been able to run like I am now. There is nothing different about my training. I think my teammates knew I had that stamina, especially after the blood tests. Now they are seeing it…’You weren’t lying, you can run’. I just say the change of position helped me. It is where I grew up playing, I like to get on the half-turn, get the ball forward. I am always trying to play to the attacking players and make something happen. When I play infield, I get on the ball more and can take it up the pitch. I told him [Lampard] I’d played there for Arsenal but not had the opportunity at Everton…that it’s where I am most comfortable and the position I play for my national team. He tried it and it’s worked, so far. I felt he was half surprised I could run, he called me a machine. The manager spoke to me after Leicester about having a bit more tactical awareness. He said, ‘It is nice to have the energy to run and chase and get back, but maybe sometimes preserve it, chill out so you’re not burned out.’ Other than that he says maintain the work ethic because it really helps the crowd engage with the team. Apart from that opening 10-15 minutes against Leicester, when I was literally chasing everything, I have generally got the press right. The manager knows I have the ability to press and quickly get back into shape.”
