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Iwobi to solve Everton right-back problem

By Matt Townsend

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Alex Iwobi of Everton is challenged by Charlie Taylor of Burnley and Dwight McNeil of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor on December 05, 2020 in Burnley, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Oli Scarff - Pool/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Alex Iwobi of Everton is challenged by Charlie Taylor of Burnley and Dwight McNeil of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor on December 05, 2020 in Burnley, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Oli Scarff - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Although yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Burnley was another missed opportunity for Everton, the performance of both emergency full-backs, were real bright spots. Could Iwobi be the best alternative at right-back?

Having started again against Burnley, Iwobi was playing wing-back when Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti was forced into making a change during the first half of yesterday’s game.

Fabian Delph’s injury and departure meant Andre Gomes came on and the Toffees backline was reshuffled with Iwobi dropping into a more orthodox right-back position as the team went to a flat back-four.

He did well, continuing to get froward and support the Blues attack but also defending solidly enough when required to do so. Importantly he was also able to provide the support and cover that James Rodriguez needs behind him to be most effective.

So then, might the former Arsenal winger actually be the answer to the ongoing uncertainly about who can fill in for Seamus Coleman in that right-back position?

This position has been a constant issue ever since Coleman suffered a series of injuries a few years ago, which blunted his effectiveness in recent campaigns. At 31 and with that injury history, there were increasing questions about his future and who could replace him.

Despite being linked with a number of full-backs, Everton didn’t sign anyone else in the transfer window and so at the start of the season the only other recognised alternative was Jonjo Kenny back from his season loan in Germany. But he’s never convinced he’s good enough for the highest level and in fact hasn’t had any game time in the Premier League so far this season.

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All these uncertainties though seemed to go away when the season kicked-off with the Irish international back to his best. He was in excellent form in the first four games as the Blues got off to a great start. Those heady days seem a long time ago now!

But then of course Coleman picked up an injury in the Merseyside derby and ever since has been far less effective. Then just as he seemed to be recovering, he aggravated the problem during the last international break training before a friendly against England, which has forced him to miss the last two Premier League matches.

These problems are part of the reason why Ancelotti switched to a three-man defence recently so he could employ wing-backs after trying Godfrey at right-back unsuccessfully.

Iwobi seemed to take to the new position on the right really well at Fulham and was arguably Everton’s best player in that game.

Then Ancelotti switched him against Leeds to the left-hand side and he wasn’t nearly as comfortable and influential. Yesterday he was back on the right and again had a solid game.

Although he’s mainly operated on the left wing or centrally both at Arsenal and Everton, Iwobi seems much more at home playing on the right, his natural side, rather than coming inside onto his right foot all the time.

I’ve always thought Iwobi could have a role to play at Goodison Park, although at times last season like so many of the Blues players he was such a frustrating underachiever that I doubted he would ever deliver and begin to replay that huge fee Everton laid out for him.

Although he’s obviously not a defender by trade, these days modern full-backs are basically auxiliary wingers and certainly Iwobi can do that job.

If the Nigerian international can continue to produce these kinds of performances he will give Ancelotti another right-back option and that would save the Blues another significant transfer fee.