The 25-year-old midfielder has had his fair share of criticisms in the past, but he has started this season on a promising note
Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi has credited the arrival of Rafael Benitez as the reason for his good form for both Everton and Nigeria this season.
The Nigerian international has started the new campaign on a promising note. In Everton’s opening game of the new Premier League season, Iwobi came off the bench to set up the assist for Abdoulaye Doucoure as the Toffees came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at Goodison Park.
He continued in the same vein as Everton played a 2-2 draw at Leeds before a 2-0 win at Brighton. In four games this season, Iwobi has one goal in the Carabao Cup, while he also averages 1.7 key passes per game.
The Nigerian international has now revealed that Benitez should be credited for his new improved form. The Spaniard replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Everton’s manager, and Iwobi revealed that Benitez had been talking to him on how to improve his game.
“The manager is always talking to me and trying to help me,” the 25-year-old told evertontv. “It’s helped me a lot so far this season.
“It’s not just me, of course, but the whole team [he speaks to].
But despite his new improved form, Iwobi is not resting on his laurels, saying he hopes to add more goals to his game this season.
“My confidence is playing a big part, too. I’m pushing a bit more up the field and getting involved in attacks.
“I just need to add more goals and assists, like the manager wants.”
“With the manager, he doesn’t give us any rest, he’s onto us 24/7. This is what we need,” he added.
The former Arsenal star has also carried his club form onto the international scene, providing the assists for both Iheanacho’s goals in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Liberia.
He will hope to continue in the same vein when Everton welcome Burnley on Monday night.
