Carlo Ancelotti believes Alex Iwobi can be a goal threat when playing on the left hand side of Everton’s front three. The 24-year-old is favourite to replace the suspended Richarlison in the Blues’ starting line-up for Sunday’s game with Southampton. Ancelotti says Anthony Gordon and Bernard are also candidates to step in for the Brazilian but Iwobi looks the more likely to start at St Mary’s Stadium. Iwobi has endured mixed fortunes since joining Everton from Arsenal for £28m on deadline day last summer, with injury and inconsistent form leaving many Blues yet to be convinced on the forward’s ability to make a lasting impact at Goodison. But Ancelotti rates the Nigeria international and ahead of his expected first league start of the season, says he is most effective on the left wing.
Carlo Ancelotti said “He has quality, he is a strong player physically, he has ability in front, He did well when he played against Brighton, he gave an assist to James to score. He didn’t play a lot, but he played in the cup, he scored goals. I have total confidence with him. We also have to consider we have Gordon and we have Bernard in that position who can replace Richarlison, with different quality but I have confidence in all of them. I think he can play left or right winger without any problem. I think that if he plays left then he has more possibility to score.”