Michael Ball slams Alex Iwobi performance v West Ham
Michael Ball was not impressed by Everton attacker Alex Iwobi’s display in the 1-0 defeat against West Ham on Sunday.
Iwobi came into the playing eleven to replace Anthony Gordon, but he put in a pretty underwhelming performance.
The 25-year-old was linked with the exit door in the summer, but he ended up staying on as a squad player for the Toffees.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, Ball, a former Toffees full-back, said: “He plays well in League Cup games, does well in parts but for me, tactically, I don’t think he’s at it. He just seems to do the basics all wrong.
“He’s got all the skills so he might stand out in training – that’s probably why he got the nod over Gordon – but on an eleven-a-side pitch in a full game, he seems to lack confidence doing the basics.
“I think he’s too worried about what he’s been told by the manager and he’s overthinking things. When he gets the ball it’s almost like he’s in a panic mode.
“He doesn’t seem to have a plan. Good footballers always have a plan before they receive the ball but I feel Iwobi thinks after he’s received it.”
Awful display
After such an impressive performance from Gordon, plenty of eyebrows were raised when Benitez opted to drop him.
Iwobi may be the more experienced of the two, but whenever he’s given an opportunity to prove himself, he hasn’t done so.
Against West Ham, he didn’t show composure in front of goal and failed to combine with Lucas Digne down the left.
He had an opportunity to put Everton in the lead and fluffed his lines.
Iwobi is the classic example of a player who performs well in training, but goes missing on matchdays.
Benitez may have been pleased by his performances in pre-season, but he’ll surely be fuming with what he’s done since the campaign has kicked off.
Hopefully, he turns a new leaf as soon as possible.
In other Everton news, a super-rich club want to sign ‘Excellent’ Toffees player who tops their shortlist
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.