“Back from the dead” – Rio Ferdinand lauds Super Eagles star’s remarkable comeback

The Nigeria international is drawing praise from different quarters following an excellent start to the 2022/23 campaign

Manchester United hero Rio Ferdinand has applauded Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi for positively turning around his career at Everton.

After flattering to deceive in his first two and half years with the Merseysiders, Iwobi is enjoying a new lease of life under the guidance of former Chelsea man Frank Lampard.

Before Sunday, Iwobi had established his place among the most consistent performers in the English Premier League this term.

The Nigeria international accounted for three assists in his last four Premier League matches before Everton clashed with Manchester United at Goodison Park.

And against the Red Devils, Iwobi produced a goal right out of the top drawer to hand the Toffees the lead against United after only five minutes.

Iwobi pushed upfield to receive the ball right at the edge of the visitor’s box. The former Arsenal winger opened up his body and curled an unstoppable strike beyond David de Gea.

However, goals from Brazil’s Anthony (15th minute) and Cristiano Ronaldo (44th minute) helped United claim the win and all the all three points on offer.

Still, Rio Ferdinand is impressed with how Iwobi has reinvented himself liking the Nigerian’s comeback like that of Arsenal’s Swiss midfield ace Granit Xhaka.

“What a strike,” Ferdinand told “Vibe with Five”.

“After Xhaka probably, who has come back from the dead, he’s (Iwobi’s) had the biggest sort of rebuild.”

Alex Iwobi’s 25-yard stunner against Manchester United is his first goal in the Premier League after nine games this season.

Even more impressively, Iwobi’s goal – his fifth in 92 appearances for the Toffees since he joined in August 2019 – was Everton’s 1,500th in the Premier League.