Former Tottenham striker praises excellent Super Eagles playmaker

The Nigeria international has been one of the most impressive players in the English top flight so far this term

Former England and Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has lauded Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi following his excellent performances for Everton.

Iwobi has overcome initial troubles at Everton to become one of the Toffees’ most dependable performers.

Apart from his energetic and dynamic displays, Iwobi has also chipped in one goal and six assists in 13 appearances for the Toffees. Only Manchester City’s playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has notched more assists in the Premier League than the former Gunner.

And when highlighting the players that have impressed him at Everton, Defoe pointed out that playing on instincts has helped Iwobi become a different player.

“They have a top goalkeeper [Jordan Pickford], Calvert-Lewin coming back, and then there is Iwobi,” Defoe noted.

“He seems like a different player. He plays in that position, that number ten, where he can play more off-the-cuff. Not focusing too much tactically on the other side of the game, and that has helped him.”

Iwobi was not as sharp as in recent weeks as Everton fell 2-0 to Leicester at Goodison Park.

But the Nigeria international and his teammates can get back to winning ways when they clash against Bournemouth in the League Cup on November 8.

The Toffees then face the same opponents in a Premier League fixture four days later.