Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has admitted that he needs to score more goals and grab more assists if he hopes to reach the peak of his career.
Iwobi, who joined Everton two summers ago from Arsenal, struggled last season to nail down a spot in the starting-11. He has also not fully justified the over £30 million the Toffees doled out to secure his services from the Gunners.
However, he seems to be on the right path this season with a goal and two assists to his name already, and has attributed his newfound form to the confidence reposed in him by Everton boss Rafa Benitez.
“It’s not just me, of course, but the whole team [he speaks to]. My confidence is playing a big part, too. I’m pushing a bit more up the field and getting involved in attacks”, Iwobi told Everton TV. “I just need to add more goals and assists, like the manager wants. With the manager, he doesn’t give us any rest; he’s onto us 2-4-7. This is what we need.
“You can see everyone’s playing with a lot of confidence. That big motivation is there [to continue achieving positive results]. We’ve started off very well, but we have to keep going until the end. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Iwobi was rumoured to be on his way out of Everton following the arrival of Demarai Gray and Androos Townsend. He has however taken their presence as a tonic to bring out the best in him.
“It’s healthy competition and we [the forwards] always say to each other, ‘we have to try to improve our stats and get involved with goals’,” Iwobi said of his side’s new arrivals.
“For me, it’s about working on my play in the final third, whether it’s a cross or a finish. All the attackers are the same…we’re always working and doing extras with that.
