Mueez Ajao
– Alex Iwobi has credited Everton manager Rafael Benitez for his improved form at the start of the season.
– Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park in June and as a result, the Nigeria international has played in every one of Everton’s matches this season, and he has a goal with an assist to his name already.
– “The manager is always talking to me and trying to help me,” Iwobi told Everton TV. “It’s helped me a lot so far this season.
– “It’s not just me, of course, but the whole team [he speaks to]. My confidence is playing a big part, too. I’m pushing a bit more up the field and getting involved in attacks.
– “I just need to add more goals and assists, like the manager wants. With the manager, he doesn’t give us any rest, he’s onto us 24/7. This is what we need.
– “You can see everyone’s playing with a lot of confidence. That big motivation is there [to continue achieving positive results].
– “We’ve started off very well, but we have to keep going until the end. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
– Iwobi has started two games in the starting XI and he came on as a substitute in the other two outings.
– The 25-year-old admitted the competition for places in Benitez’s team but he disclosed that he is working on his contributions in the final third.
– “It’s healthy competition and we [the forwards] always say to each other, ‘We have to try to improve our stats and get involved with goals’,” he continued.
– “For me, it’s about working on my play in the final third, whether it’s a cross or a finish. All the attackers are the same…we’re always working and doing extras with that.
– “Whether it’s on the pitch or in training, we’re demanding a lot from each other.
– “It’s not just Seamus [Coleman], the captain, everyone is demanding from everyone. In our games this season, I think you can see the team spirit from minute one until the end.”
– Iwobi who provided two assists in the 2-0 win over Liberia on Friday, is back in Merseyside and he is in contention to play when they host Burnley for Monday’s Premier League fixture.
