Everton have endured a string of poor results in the Premier League, and their Nigerian import may end up being one of the scapegoats
Former Hull City defender Alex Bruce has charged Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi to buckle up to the demands of Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti or face the ignominy of being sold just twelve months after joining the Toffees.
Iwobi became Nigeria’s most expensive player in history last summer when Everton splashed the cash to bring him in from childhood club Arsenal.
Much was expected from the 24-year-old attacking midfielder who has experience playing at the World Cup and the AFCON, and contributed 15 goals and 27 assists in 149 games for the Gunners.
Little has, however, been reaped from the man who cost the Toffees €30 million, with Iwobi notching just one goal in 23 Premier League matches this term.
His performances in recent games have not been excellent, with Ancelotti hauling off the Nigerian playmaker at halftime in their two last matches against Tottenham and Southampton.
The former AC Milan boss admitted to the Guardian that he considers it “important to improve the character and personality of the team” when discussing the Toffees’ transfer plans.
Bruce, a former Premier League defender, is worried that may be a sign that the Italian manager has not been impressed with Iwobi’s output and could be thinking of moving him on.
Bruce told Football Insider: “This is the thing that someone like Ancelotti will expect and that’s why the likes of Iwobi, Moise Kean, people like that, they need to see the manager’s come out and said it publicly.
“These are the individuals who need to take stock, look in the mirror, realise what the manager’s saying and improve in all aspects.
“If they don’t, you know what happens, but if they do, I’m sure Ancelotti, with his experience, he’ll be looking at who’s had a positive effect from what he’s said.”
Iwobi will hope to redeem his battered image when Everton take on Wolves at the Molineux Stadium on Sunday.
