Everton of England utility player, Alex Iwobi has thanked The Toffees’ Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti for helping him improve his game in all departments, as the Super Eagles’ star says he has learnt a lot playing under the veteran tactician, megasportsarena.com reports.
Iwobi took another look back at the strides he has gained since the former AC Milan of Italy, Real Madrid of Spain and Chelsea of England gaffer moved to Goodison Park, especially in the area of linking up play and combining well with his teammates.
The former Arsenal of England winger added how delighted he is with his ability to discover new roles for himself as a wing-back, full-back and holding midfielder since he started taking instructions from Ancelotti, who he went on to praise for believing in his initially hidden versatile qualities.
Although Iwobi also recalled that he first learnt how to play in multiple positions during his time with Arsenal, where he spent 15 years before switching to Everton in the summer of 2019, the nephew of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha conceded that he has shown even greater versatility under Ancelotti.
Having impressed in right-back and left wing-back roles as well as playing as an attacking midfielder, support striker and winger on both flanks, Iwobi is now five games away from reaching a milestone of 150 appearances in the English Premier League.
Speaking ahead of Everton’s Merseyside derby with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, Iwobi recounted the growth he gained at Arsenal, how he has improved under Ancelotti and espied a better future ahead of himself for both club and country.
Iwobi said to BBC Sport via Liverpool Echo: “Growing up in the Arsenal system, I played numerous positions. So for me to play right wing-back, I wasn’t really lost as people would’ve thought I would be.
“It wasn’t really difficult for me to adjust. With the manager Carlo Ancelotti, I’ve improved a bit more with my final third, end product. If I do beat a man, then I’m able to create a chance for my team-mates. That’s what he wants me to do a bit more.”
