Alex Iwobi has opened up on his Everton struggles and explained how he is hoping to use the best period in his Goodison Park career to help the side in their upcoming 'six cup finals'.
It’s been a rollercoaster three years at Goodison for Iwobi. The Nigerian, a £28m signing from Arsenal, is now working under his fifth Everton manager since arriving at the club in 2019.
But now under the guidance of Frank Lampard, Iwobi appears to have found a permanent place in the team. The 25-year-old has been given his opportunity in the centre of the pitch by Lampard, and has been allowed to shine in that role.
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However, Iwobi's impressive form has arrived at the same time as the Blues battle to keep their Premier League status. Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield means Lampard's side are now two points adrift of safety with a game in hand to play on the two teams directly above them, Burnley and Leeds United.
But with just six games - or 'cup finals' as Iwobi calls them - remaining it is now or never for Everton’s players. But despite the club’s position, Iwobi has revealed that there is still plenty of belief among his team-mates that they can stay up.
“My first couple of years here weren’t the greatest but this is my best period at Everton," he told Everton’s matchday programme for Sunday’s home encounter with Chelsea.
“I want to use it as a platform to kick on and make more positive memories with this club. I want to win something with Everton – and do my best for the club.
“But my focus now is on these six 'cup finals', then we can think about next season. Our problem has been a lack of consistency and, more recently, little mistakes have cost us.
“But the fans have been excellent and if we continue giving everything, especially the way we feel at Goodison, we will pick up the points we need.
“There is a lot of belief in the squad, we are ready to fight. Even the players not playing, their mentality has been professional and elite.
“It is a proper family right now and that is helping us push through games. We have to fight every day. Not just for ourselves, but for our families and the fans. We will keep going, just stick with us.”
Earlier this month, Blues fans were quick to praise Iwobi for his display against Manchester United. Both in terms of work-rate off the ball and quality when in possession, he put in an impressive performances that was crucial to his side picking up all three points.
“I was doing all right but then played a sloppy pass,” Iwobi recalled when asked about the reaction he received from supporters during the 1-0 win.
“The fans clapped the pass because they saw the intent. It was the first time that had happened for ages. To hear that change in environment, I felt, 'wow, that is kind of nice – as long as you are giving 100 per cent, if it doesn’t come off, they will stay behind you'.
“That support removes the fear of making mistakes, you are prepared to try things on the ball. I feel much more confident.
“My friends tell me about the positive comments and the fans singing my name, and my dad is always looking on social media to make sure everything is good.
“Previously, my friends would be in the car home from games talking about hearing different things. But I’ve had a run in the team and feel I can influence the game a lot more, especially in this position.
“My main concern is what I’m doing for my team-mates and the manager and staff. 'Am I working hard for them? Are they happy with what I’m giving?' But, of course, it is nice to hear about the praise.”
