By Onyekachi Chimezie
Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha is delighted that his nephew Alex Iwobi has started showing his potentials at English Premier League side Everton this season.
Iwobi made his ninth consecutive Premier League appearance for Everton at home to Manchester United on Sunday night.
Although, his goal wasn’t enough as Everton fell to a second league defeat to end the club’s six games unbeaten run as Antony and Christiano Ronaldo’s goal gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory.
Okocha while speaking to a journalist before the game expressed his joy over Iwobi’s progress.
“I am delighted to be here, it is great to come and watch Alex play live, especially in a big game, like today’s game,” Okocha said.
Iwobi has struggled to make an impact for Everton since leaving their boyhood club Arsenal at the end of the 2018/19 season after a big money move but has regained his form since the beginning of the season.
“It is great to see him play to his potential, we’ll know that he got something special but unfortunately it took him a while to settle and also he is playing under a great manager that wanted to improve his game and has been playing him later in his right position which made a lot of difference,” he further added.
Since the arrival of Frank Lampard after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid, Iwobi has played in several positions as the team seeks to rediscover their form in his favourite number eight position.
“I’ve always said to him that he is too honest as a player because I was surprised when he was playing as the right wing-back and showed he was willing to sacrifice for the team and which was affecting his personal goals and performances but finally I am glad that he is playing in his natural position where he gets on the ball and makes things happen and Everton are enjoying the best of him now and we are all delighted that he is playing well.”
The 26-year-old Nigerian international’s name is the talk of the blue end of Merseyside, in the UK after his fine form for his club this season, with Iwobi scoring once and registering three assists as his side sits 12 on the log.
