‘Manager’s dream’ – Liverpool icon explains why Alex Iwobi Is vital to Marco Silva’s Fulham

Alex Iwobi produced one of his most complete performances of the season as Fulham F.C. defeated Sunderland A.F.C. 3–1 away from home, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles star's display has earned glowing praise from former Liverpool defender and television pundit Jamie Carragher.

The Nigeria international influenced the match at key moments. After a quiet opening period at the Stadium of Light, Iwobi stepped up in the second half, first delivering a precise corner that allowed striker Raúl Jiménez to head Fulham into the lead.

The visitors strengthened their control when Jiménez converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review confirmed a foul on defender Calvin Bassey.

Sunderland briefly threatened a comeback when Enzo Le Fée scored from the spot following a penalty conceded by Ryan Sessegnon. However, Fulham responded quickly on the counter-attack. Winger Harry Wilson surged forward before setting up Iwobi, who finished calmly from a tight angle in the 85th minute to secure all three points.

The victory ended Fulham’s three-match losing run and lifted Marco Silva’s side back into the top half of the Premier League table, strengthening hopes of a late push towards European qualification.

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Why Alex Iwobi stands out

Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Carragher highlighted Iwobi’s tactical flexibility and work rate, describing him as an invaluable asset to head coach Marco Silva.

“For me, he’s one of those players who can play different positions, he’s a manager’s dream, especially a Marco Silva dream,” Carragher said.

“He’s every manager’s dream, the quality he’s got is underrated and it’s not spoken about much”

– Carragher on Nigeria’s own Alex Iwobi pic.twitter.com/t3cptbhUrM

— SportsDokitor (Odogwu) (@sportsdokitor) February 22, 2026

The pundit pointed out Silva’s long-standing belief in the midfielder, having previously signed him at Everton before bringing him to Fulham.

“This is a guy who spent a lot of money to bring him from Arsenal to Everton. He then took him from Everton to Fulham. He’s a huge fan and you can understand why.”

Carragher also argued that Iwobi’s technical quality is often overlooked despite his consistent influence.

“Physically, he’s absolutely fantastic. The quality he shows, an assist from a set piece and a lovely finish as well, this quality he’s got is actually underrated. We don’t maybe speak about it enough.

“We speak about other Fulham players and rightly so, but he’s certainly up there with the best players that Fulham have got this season.”

Nigeria's all-time assist provider in Premier League history, Iwobi now has three goals and three assists this campaign.