This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Noel Whelan has labelled Everton’s Alex Iwobi as “their best signing of the year” and claims the 23-year-old’s eye for goal will prove to be of great importance this season.
What did he say?
Iwobi signed from Arsenal in the summer for a fee of £35m and has certainly impressed more than most Blues players so far. The Nigerian put in a 9/10 display in the 2-0 win against West Ham United, as he stepped into the number 10 role behind the striker for the first time at his new club.
Whelan told Football Insider: “He’s really impressed me. It was a big shock Everton signed him, but he looks the real deal.
“He’s quick, sharp, his movement is good, he’s nice and positive on the ball and is always looking to create things. He’s got an eye for goal as well, and I think he’ll score quite a few this season as well as create for others.
“You look at the players Everton brought in this summer. Gomes is quality, but he was already there last year, and I’d say Iwobi has been their best signing of the year. It was a shrewd move.”
Much needed addition of goals
Prior to the game against West Ham, the Merseysiders had bagged just six times in the Premier League and their lack of goals was a reason for their slump into the relegation zone. Indeed, Marco Silva has been crying out for goals this season, but he may have found the answer with Iwobi.
The Nigerian netted 15 goals for Arsenal in 149 appearances, and whilst this statistic is not incredibly eye-catching, he did score six times for Arsenal across all competitions last season.
With two to his name already for Everton, if the forward can build on those six efforts from last season, he will certainly end up being a worthy addition and could well score a few goals along the way, as Whelan suggests.
Goals have been a serious struggle for Silva’s side this season and the Portuguese man needs someone like Iwobi to step and become the goal scoring outlet they have been missing since the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
Furthermore, his 27 assists for the Gunners over the years can help the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean discover their goal scoring touch.