View: Iwobi turning into one of best creators in PL in new Everton role
Alex Iwobi’s brilliant form throughout December has seen the Everton winger turn around what looked to be a rather mediocre start to the season.
A slight change of system from Carlo Ancelotti has massively benefitted the former Arsenal man, who is now playing in more advanced and attacking positions.
Previously, Iwobi has been used as a makeshift wing-back under Ancelotti this season. However, since the win against Chelsea at Goodison Park, Iwobi has started on right side of an attacking trio behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
He is now far more effective in the final third and this is reflected in the numbers he is producing for Everton week on week.
According to Wyscout, Iwobi is currently producing the third-highest amount of smart passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League with 2.55.
A smart pass is defined by Wyscout as ‘a creative and penetrative pass that attempts to break the opposition’s defensive lines to gain a significant advantage in attack.
In third place, Iwobi is ahead of the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, as well as Liverpool trio Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Iwobi’s form is not going unnoticed among many Everton supporters and the Nigerian international deserves credit for turning around his form so rapidly.
Both at Arsenal and at Everton, Iwobi was a player that was often criticised for his final product, but he is now turning into a key provider in this Toffees side – one that may have the Gunners looking over their shoulders and regretting the decision to move him on.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are reportedly ready to make a move for Max Aarons this month