Everton of England midfielder, Alex Iwobi has revealed three players who he is trying to build his in similar patterns with their style of play, and his uncle, former Super Eagles’ captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha is on his list, megasportsarena.com reports.
Aside Okocha, whose skills Iwobi confessed he is still trying to emulate during action with the Super Eagles and his club, the ex-Arsenal playmaker added one of his former teammates at The Gunners, Santi Cazorla, who now plays for Villarreal of Spain, and Wolverhampton Wanderers of England enforcer, Adama Traore to his list of his admired players.
The 23-year-old Iwobi is still out injured with a hamstring injury, which he copped after only 11 minutes of a recent draw between The Toffees and his former club at Goodison Park, which means he will not be in action for Everton when they welcome Leon Aderemi Balogun’s Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.
However, that has not stopped Iwobi from revealing the admiration he has for the mobility, passes and dribbling skills of Cazorla, the power and drive of Traore, as well as the leadership qualities and charisma of Okocha, while also adding another former Arsenal pal, Cesc Fabregas, who Iwobi says is also blessed with good, timely and accurate passing skills.
Incidentally, one of the players Iwobi admires outside his position in midfield is another former colleague from his days at Emirates Stadium, Theo Walcott, who is now a teammate of his at Everton, and recounted how the ex-England international used to motivate the entire squad.
He concluded by also pointing at other positions on the field, as Iwobi cited the defensive form and solidity of Manchester City’s former captain, Vincent Kompany, the speed and shooting of Alexandre Lacazette and physicality of Wes Morgan.
However, in singling out the first two players he has played alongside and who he admits left telling effects on his game as teammates, Iwobi reduced his list to only Cazorla and Walcott, for the motivation they give him and their personal qualities during matches.
Iwobi expatiated: “Theo Walcott is one of the more experienced players and he would know how to go about doing this, he still motivates the team and puts in a good shift in training. I even look up to him at times; he tells me what to do and gives me advice.
“I have to add Santi Cazorla. When I first entered the team, I was baffled that he is so good with his left foot and right foot. I think, based on his ability, he is the best football player I have played with. Whenever he comes to the changing room, he still always has a smile on his face. Everyone is just buzzing for him to be around. He is really missed.”
