Everton midfieder Alex Iwobi shares what Rafa Benitez told him
Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has admitted that he was not trusted by former manager Rafa Benitez.
At the start of the year, there were suggestions that Iwobi could be sent on loan away from the club, and the midfielder reflected that he felt everyone wanted him to leave.
The 26-year-old has become a key player under Frank Lampard who has got the best out of him.
“He [Benitez] said to me, ‘I know it must be hard with the fans getting on your back, but that’s how football is’,” said Iwobi in an interview with iNews.
“It felt like everyone wanted me to go. They said, ‘If you want to play football, you would be better off on loan’.
“It was like, ‘You are not in our plans, try to prove yourself elsewhere’. I said I would rather take my chances and stay. I felt I had something to give and wanted to show my ability.
“The supporters were probably thinking, ‘We are better off getting someone who can do the job’. I was told in the past I wasn’t good enough. When I hear that it motivates me to try to prove my point.”
Key player
Iwobi has become an important player under Lampard.
The Toffees boss has described as a “dangerous” player and that he can be “one of the best” midfielders in the Premier League, as quoted by BBC Sport.
At one point in time, it really felt like he is surplus to requirements at the club. He was bang average, and was completely wasted on the wings.
Benitez wanted him to play safe, and not express himself. It limited Iwobi’s potential and his performance as a result. Lampard has done the exact opposite.
Iwobi was used in multiple positions before he was shifted to midfield. He is being given the license to express himself and now we’re seeing a different player altogether.
Another factor that has worked in his favour is the presence of two solid midfielders in Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana. Plus, the defensive pair of Coady and Tarkowski has allowed Iwobi to do whatever he wants.