“The lad never stops” – Former Cruiserweight boxing champion leads praise for outstanding Super Eagles star

The Nigerian import delivered a brilliant display at the heart of the Toffee’s midfield despite his side losing to the Londoners

Former WBC Cruiserweight boxing champion Tony Bellew joined several Everton fans to shower praises on Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi following his weekend performance.

Iwobi starred for Everton, but his effort was not enough to help the Toffees avoid a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Manager Frank Lampard deployed the increasingly versatile Iwobi as a deep-lying midfielder against the Blues. And the Super Eagles midfielder did not disappoint, putting in a stellar showing in an unfamiliar role.

Iwobi’s tireless work-rate was also evident from the first minute until the 110th, as the former Arsenal winger held his own against Chelsea’s world-class midfield duo of Jorginho and Ngolo Kante.

Pitted against high-level opposition, Iwobi completed an astonishing 18 forward passes, created two chances, and had an 81% pass accuracy. The 26-year-old also made seven recoveries, three clearances, two interceptions, and one successful dribble to underline his all-round display.

What are they saying?

Everton boss Lampard was impressed with Iwobi, with the former Chelsea praising the Nigerian’s performance after the encounter.

Lampard said, “I thought Alex Iwobi was brilliant in the number six role. Because of his attitude, personality and humility, it doesn’t matter [where he plays].

“He doesn’t bat an eyelid at what we ask them to do. I thought him and Abdoulaye Doucoure played very well in midfield today.”

Several Everton supporters – including renowned Everton fan Tony Bellew – took to Twitter to applaud Iwobi despite the Toffees’ defeat.

In praise of Iwobi’s tireless showing, London-born retired pugilist Bellew wrote on Twitter, “The lad never stops.”

Below are some other fans’ reactions:

Despite the recent signing of Amadou Onana from Lille, Iwobi will hope to be in the Everton lineup when they take on Aston Villa on matchday two this weekend.