Joseph Yobo defends Everton’s Alex Iwobi against Darren Bent’s attacks

The former Everton defender has thrown his weight behind his younger compatriot in the aftermath of harsh criticism from the ex-England star.

Joseph Yobo, the Super Eagles’ most capped player, has rubbished talks that the former Arsenal midfielder lacks quality, insisting that only quality clubs acquire top quality players like Alex Iwobi.

The 23-year-old left the club he joined as a little boy to team up with Marco Silva’s side, with Yobo hailing the youngster’s ‘bold’ decision to seek regular playing time elsewhere after Arsenal completed the record signing of Nicolas Pepe.

Good luck to top man Alex Iwobi on his move to @Everton Sad to see him go but going to another great football club. pic.twitter.com/8Pr0ofmWEF

— Stuart MacFarlane (@Stuart_PhotoAFC) August 9, 2019

“I must commend Alex Iwobi for making that bold move. Everton is a quality team and I’m happy as an Evertonian that we acquired a talent like him,” Yobo told Goal.

“I think the main reason behind this is his playing time and I’m sure he will get that but he has to work harder than what he does in Arsenal.

“Apart from that, he’s got everything to succeed and I’m not surprised that huge bid was made for him.

“In my own opinion, it’s a good move because staying with Arsenal who brought in [Nicolas] Pepe will reduce his playing time. Here, he will learn more which will make him grow and more matured in the game.”

https://www.twitter.com/Everton/status/1160966677720444928

Earlier former Tottenham striker and self-confessed Arsenal fan had aimed a dig at Iwobi for lacking quality. However, Joseph Yobo is convinced that the best of Alex Iwobi will shine through at Goodison Park and ultimately with the Super Eagles.

“If you want to put that into context, Nigeria do not play like Arsenal yet he plays very well and that’s why I say the Super Eagles will benefit from this move because we’ll see a better Iwobi,” he continued.

“Nigeria will benefit more because we will see a more tactically disciplined and physically fit Iwobi because his talent has always been there. And that will make him a more complete player.

https://www.twitter.com/Everton/status/1161327058934489088

“Although I agree that these teams play a different kind of football, I believe Everton is more structured. Arsenal is a good footballing side and play free-flowing football but football doesn’t work that way.

“They have not been disciplined defensively in the past few years and that’s why they haven’t really won anything.

“Everton are a growing club, just a little bit behind the top four. We can only wish him good luck and hope he gets the goals which will give him more confidence,” Yobo concluded.