With just a few hours left before the 2019/2020 transfer window shuts, news began to filter around that Alex Iwobi is on the verge of leaving his boyhood club Arsenal.
Although there were still some hoping it was just a rumour, Everton announced the signing of the Nigerian international for 35m pounds which could rise to 40m depending on performances.
The move was met with mixed reaction, with many saying he should have been given more chance, while others praised the club’s decision to let him go.
Nevertheless, a move to Everton gave Iwobi the chance to play more regularly. With Arsenal signing Nicolas Pepe for a club record fee, it would have been difficult for Iwobi to start games at the Emirates.
However, a move to the Toffees gave him the chance while it also reduces the pressure he faced at Arsenal. But has anything changed for Iwobi since he moved from the capital to the Merseyside?
Much of the criticism levelled at Iwobi during his time at Arsenal was his inconsistency in games. Iwobi managed 149 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 15 goals and provided 27 assists.
While it is a decent return considering he was played out of position for most the games, fans were critical of him because he did not deliver consistently.
But it important to put into consideration that it was difficult for him to deliver consistently because, in these games, he was in and out of the starting lineup.
A move to Everton gave him more chance to start games, but since the move, he has not shown improvements in his game.
After missing the first two games, Iwobi was integrated into the squad, and in fairness, he settled in quickly. He scored his first goal in the league cup win over Lincoln City 4-2, while he added his second in the league win over Wolves.
It was the perfect start he needed, and that should have been the pedestal for him. However, since scoring the two goals, his performances have been plagued with inconsistency- which was also the case during his time at Arsenal.
The 23-year-old has featured 17 times this season and was even played in his preferred attacking role in some of the games, but Iwobi was just another player in the team.
Although Everton as a team have struggled so far this season, the Toffees faithful expect more from the Super Eagles star.
In 17 of the games, he has played so far for the Blues, Iwobi started 12. He has yet to provide an assist for the Toffees this season, while he only manages an average of 1.1 key passes per game. (whoscored)
Everton signed the Nigerian international to help solve their creative problems, but Iwobi has failed to do so. The move to Merseyside was supposed to give him more responsibility, but he is just another player in a struggling team.
Big game players take control of matches when a team needs inspiration, but Iwobi has not shown that for Everton. He has failed to impose his presence in the Everton team.
Despite scoring twice, his end product has also been poor- an opinion shared by former England goalkeeper, Paul Robinson.
“He’s frustrating, his ball retention isn’t as good as it should be,” Robinson told footballinsider.
“Silva complained last week or the week before that he didn’t have enough pace going forward so this week he played Iwobi, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin so the pace up top wasn’t a problem.
“But not enough sticks with Iwobi, it’s his end product. The pace and attacking threat is there, but he is frustrating at times.”
Former Manchester United forward, Louis Saha also shared a similar opinion, saying Iwobi needs to start justifying the big money that was paid for him.
“Alex Iwobi was a massive signing for Everton and he will be very important for Everton’s success,” Louis Saha told Bwin.
“He is an intelligent player, but there is room for improvement. “He needs to be more clinical and consistent, only then will we see his true quality.
Iwobi was not signed to be just another player in the team, he was bought with the hope he will be one of the key players that will fulfil Moshiri’s dream of turning Everton into a top four side.
But almost six months since the move, nothing has changed with the former Arsenal man. It is time for the real Alex Iwobi to show up, and help turn Everton’s fortunes around.
