Leaving Arsenal Made Me Better – Alex Iwobi

The Nigeria international is confident that he made the right decision to join the Toffees last summer as he is already reaping huge rewards for being an Evertonian.

Arsenal Academy graduate Alex Iwobi swapped the Emirates for Goodison Park in a €30 million deal, and he has revealed how the move has been of immense benefit for his person and his career.

The 23-year-old missed most of January due to injury but returned to full fitness recently. Over the weekend, he powered Carlo Ancelotti’s men to a 3-2 come-back victory over Watford after Everton trailed 2-0 at some point in the tie.

Iwobi didn’t get his name on the goalscorer’s chart on the day, but he did show glimpses of brilliance as the Toffees wrestled the game from the grip of the Hornets.

The Super Eagles midfielder is convinced that it is this Evertonian fighting spirit that is pushing him to be better as a player and as a man.

“This is a whole different game for me, the Evertonians here, not just the players but the fans and staff. Everyone wants to give 100 percent,” Iwobi told the official club website. 

“I am enjoying that side of the game. It has made me a new man in that sense. I wasn’t particularly like that [before coming to Everton] but I have had to buy into it and show more hunger when I am playing and towards the fans. It is good for me.

“Here, I have to focus tactically when we do not have the ball. I have to track back a bit more, carry out more defensive duties. No matter who I play for, I give 100 percent. Everton are making me do that and I am enjoying it.

Iwobi has featured 17 times for Everton this term and will look to add to his solitary strike when the Toffees host Crystal Palace this weekend.