For a long time, Alex Iwobi was just a talented kid. First at Arsenal, then at Everton. When he switched London for Liverpool in 2019, many considered that he would never reach the heights he seemed destined for. But today, he’s easily Everton’s most influential player – and Frank Lampard’s go-to guy.The 26-year-old Lagosian had an input in over half of Everton’s goals this season. Even though the Toffees’ tally of 11 goals scored isn’t much to brag about, Iwobi has shown that this team cannot breathe without him on the pitch. So how did this big change occur? It’s simple: he’s now found confidence.##NAJAVA_MECA_6767405##Iwobi’s 21 chances created from open play this season can only be bettered by Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Kane. He’s now rightly among the cream of the Premier League. Lampard has given him the trust to roam the pitch and become any opponent’s nightmare.Iwobi’s physical ability was put to good use by former Chelsea midfielder Lampard, who knows very well from his playing days that any creative midfielder needs a strong teammate next to him, one who will run, tackle and press to disrupt the opposition. Iwobi is thriving in that role. It is rarely a headline-grabbing part, but the Arsenal academy graduate appears happy to play it.After last week’s thumping 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, Iwobi said he feels very confident in his ability.”On a personal level, I am playing with a lot of confidence. The manager tells me to play the way I train. You can see I’m very confident, and I’m able to express myself on the pitch. The manager gives me so much belief and, when I have confidence and motivation on the pitch, I feel I’m almost unstoppable.”Y’all should stop saying Iwobi has improved at Everton.Nothing changed, man has always been good but coaches chose to play him out of position.Watch him do even better when he plays his natural position further up the field as an attacking midfielder.Proper baller! pic.twitter.com/5z4r16lDvI— Promise Akabudu (@AkabuduPromise) October 22, 2022 The Toffees will have another big test on Saturday with a trip to the ever-unpredictable Fulham. Driven by Aleksandar Mitrovic and Bobby Reid, the Cottagers are capable of putting any team to the sword. It will be a busy day for Iwobi on his return to London. He’s found another level. Now he faces an even more brutal battle to keep it.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 14Saturday14:30: (10.0) Leicester (6.25) Man.City (1.33)17:00: (5.70) Bournemouth (3.80) Tottenham (1.70)17:00: (2.25) Brentford (3.35) Wolverhampton (3.50)17:00: (2.90) Brighton (3.25) Chelsea (2.50)17:00: (2.00) Crystal Palace (3.50) Southampton (4.10)17:00: (1.94) Newcastle (3.60) Aston Villa (4.50)19:30: (2.45) Fulham (3.35) Everton (3.20)21:45: (1.36) Liverpool (5.90) Leeds (9.50)Sunday16:00: (1.24) Arsenal (6.75) Nott.Forest (14.0)18:15: (1.70) Man.Utd. (3.70) West Ham (5.20)***odds are subject to change***
