Former Arsenal Star Praises Iwobi Training Attitude

Theo Walcott has hailed Nigeria international and Everton teammate Alex Iwobi for the effort he puts in on the training ground, saying the former Arsenal star is impressive in training behind closed doors.

The England international hailed the unique qualities of the Super Eagles ace while expressing the belief that Everton fans would soon start to see the best of the midfielder.

Iwobi moved to Goodison Park in the summer, but he has only managed two goals in 21 first-team games across all competitions. When fit, Iwobi has often faced competition from Bernard for a left-wing role in the Everton team.

The 23-year-old recently returned from an injury layoff in Everton's 3-2 come-back win over Watford last weekend. However, he found himself on the bench in the Toffees 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

But Walcott is sure his former teammate at Arsenal has the talent to make a significant impact at Everton, especially if he is deployed in central midfield.

“(Iwobi's) the sort of kid that would settle in anywhere,” Walcott told Goal.

“He’s taken to it really well, and what he is doing on the training field is really impressive.

“He’s just a hard worker, through and through. At times at Arsenal, he was in and out, and he was tried in different positions. Here, I feel he can express himself a lot more and use his attributes, his skills and his energy.

“I’m not the manager, but I feel like he likes to be on the ball, be in the middle of the game and express himself.

“He’s a great athlete; he looks after himself. He doesn’t come to the gym with me and Mason [Holgate] yet, but I’ll try my best! He’s a great kid, and he’s really settled well.

“I was really excited when he came having worked with him before. I knew he was always going to fit right in,” Walcott concluded about the Nigerian ace.