The Nigeria international is yet to make his debut for the Toffees after his deadline day move from Arsenal with the Goodison Park faithfuls eagerly waiting to see their £28m-buy but Marco Silva has called for patience from all parties.
Everton manager Marco Silva has asked fans to give Alex Iwobi more time to settle as the forward is also eager to file out for the Toffees and show his quality.
Iwobi featured prominently for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations where he helped Nigeria pick up a bronze medal but the tournament delayed his participation in Arsenal’s, and subsequently Everton’s, preseason work.
Silva, therefore, opines that the playmaker needs more time before he’s thrown into action, hinting that Iwobi may not be available yet again as Everton tackle Aston Villa on Friday night.
“He is looking forward to that [making his Everton debut]. He started [pre-season] late, this is just his second week working with the team,” Silva said at a press conference monitored by Soccernet.ng.
“We have to take care of the situation and give him enough time to get fitter. He is getting better and if I decide he will be ready, then he will give that high quality. I have no doubt about that.”
In Iwobi’s absence, Everton have played two games, winning one and ending the other in stalemate and are the only side in the Premier League yet to concede a goal after Match Day 2.
Marco Silva believes the players should be commended for that solid defensive record.
“The feeling is really good when we finish a match and haven’t conceded a goal.
“It means we have worked together and are understanding the plans and our way of defending.
“It starts up front and all of them have to be proud because of the work they are doing.
“I am really proud of what we are achieving with our defensive organisation.”
The manager however reveals what he expects from Alex Iwobi and his other attackers once they all get going – a marriage of defensive resilience and an efficient display at the other end of the field.
“We are working to balance things, to try to create more in the opposite box,” said Silva.
“It is up to us to get as many clean sheets as we can, then you are closer to winning matches.
“And we want to become more clinical in the other box, creating more chances and scoring more goals.”
Everton will go top of the embryonic Premier League table with victory over Aston Villa.