Tim Iroegbunam to push for Everton start as new stat reveal will delight David Moyes
Tim Iroegbunam has found his recent minutes at Everton few and far between, but he may have a reason to push for a return into David Moyes’ plans.
The form of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye have made it quite difficult for any of the fringe players at Hill Dickinson Stadium to get a look in.
Iroegbunam was the beneficiary of Gueye’s long AFCON absence, as he started for Everton in each of the games he was away for.
However, since then, the opposite has been true, with just one start in the last eight Premier League matches for the Toffees.
Now, a new reveal could show that Iroegbunam perhaps deserves more minutes.
Iroegbunam is doing something more than other young midfielders – here’s what
Iroegbunam will not be happy with his game time for Everton, and the midfielder may have reason to be frustrated.
The 22-year-old is seemingly the best in the business across Europe when it comes to one aspect of football among his similarly aged peers.
Out of every under-23 midfielder in Europe’s top-five leagues, Iroegbunam wins possession back more than anyone per 90 with 11.53.
Some of the more notable names he comes in above include Elliott Anderson (9.22), Ryan Gravenberch (7.29) and Eduardo Camavinga (9.14).
With the Toffees averaging just 44.1% possession per game according to Sofascore, winning the ball back is an invaluable trait.
Moyes must surely be taking notice, and perhaps in the upcoming weeks, Iroegbunam could be given a chance to reclaim his role in the team.
- Read more: Tim Iroegbunam’s contract situation: Everything Everton fans need to know amid exit speculation
Why time is ticking for Iroegbunam at Everton
If Moyes does hand the 22-year-old another chance, he will have to take it with two hands, or else his future may lie away from Everton.
Iroegbunam is clearly a talented midfielder, but at his age, getting few minutes is hardly good for his development as a player.
In the Premier League, he averages just 50 minutes on the pitch per appearance.
| Statistic | Total |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Starts | 12 |
| Minutes | 1041 |
| Minutes per game | 50 |
As aforementioned, the performances of those ahead of him in the pecking order have kept him out of the starting line-up.
Next season, it is already looking as if it could be more of the same for Iroegbunam.
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