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Alex Iwobi a major hurdle in Everton sensation’s development

By Parth Jhaveri

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Alex Iwobi and Lucas Digne of Everton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Alex Iwobi and Lucas Digne of Everton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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Alex Iwobi is now becoming a major hurdle for Anthony Gordon at Everton.

Everton’s unbeaten start to the season was brought to a full stop by Southampton. Alex Iwobi started in place of suspended Richarlison but the Nigerian failed to make an impact in the 45 minutes he featured in.

Ancelotti had hinted that Iwobi will start whereas Anthony Gordon and Bernard are in contention to get some playing minutes. Iwobi was handed his first Premier League start of the season, often looked lost on the pitch, lacking pedigree and confidence on the ball.

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Being substituted after just 45 minutes is not a radiant endorsement of Iwobi’s displays. There is no hiding from the fact that the Nigerian has struggled ever since his move to Goodison with not a single performance worth remembering.

This season when James Rodriguez was signed, Iwobi was expected to be dropped out of the starting lineup. However, substitute appearances and occasional starts came for the 24 year old. None of his displays have pleased Ancelotti so far and it has now come down to the point where Iwobi is starting to become a hurdle for other players.

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Last season’s breakout star, Anthony Gordon, was expecting to be more involved this season after energetic and striking displays during the Project Restart. But, the competition in his position is immense and the likes of Iwobi and Bernard are getting the nod ahead of him.

Iwobi has played 264 minutes this season, Bernard has played 224 minutes whereas Gordon has just played 166 minutes out of which only 32 have come in the Premier League. Ancelotti has hailed Gordon as a sensational talent having the ability of reaching the zenith of football.

Iwobi has been given a lot of chances to prove why Everton paid £34 million for his services. What once looked like an opportunistic move now feels like a waste of money with the player failing to unlock his full potential.

Gordon on the other hand, has shown what spectacle he can produce. I am not saying that the 19 year old should be a starter in the team but he needs to make more outings on the pitch. At this moment, it seems that Iwobi gets the preference whereas Gordon sometimes even misses out on the matchday squad.

The youngster has shown flashes of brilliance and needs an extended run that will boost his confidence and help him find the rhythm you’d want from an important player of the squad.

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As for Alex Iwobi, nothing seems to be going right for him. He needs to take a breather and maybe even go out on loan to find the lost confidence.

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