Carlo Ancelotti has much to be grateful for. Nigerian winger Alex Iwobi is back on the field, giving Everton's fans a glimmer of hope.
Everton, who rank 12th after 22 games, traveled to Watford on February 5th. All that transpired from that match was that Iwobi came back in great shape.
In their previous games, Everton really haven't performed well and there are multiple reasons for this, the first one being the lack of effective players. Prior to Marco Silva’s departure, the club was suffering a lot from their less effective players. Silva has actually, albeit unsuccessfully, tried to meet fans and club leaders’ expectations.
Another reason might be Iwobi’s injury-empowered absence. The Nigerian player played a series of 20 matches, all competitions combined, and scored two goals. His whopping influence on the team is unarguable, as he is one of the main actors of the club’s favourite trio: Name Richarlison, Gylfi Sigurdsson, and Alex Iwobi.
His absence was due to a hamstring injury sustained with the Toffees in a match against his former club, Arsenal, in late December. Iwobi has not been fit to play for as many as five games; against Newcastle United, Manchester City, Burnley and Brighton & Hove in the Premier League, and Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Bringing A Glimmer Of Hope
The match against Watford was as challenging as it's ever been, as the Toffees have lost each of their away games at Watford. Plus, they haven't really won in that part of Hertfordshire since 2007. The challenge remains even more real for the Premier League clashes to come. However, for their clash with Crystal Palace Iwobi has already improved their chances to win, without even touching a ball yet.
The Toffees have, of course, defeated Watford already twice this season, both times at Goodison Park. But on the second occurrence, the League Cup tie in late October, Everton were by far the more qualified team and deservedly won 2-0.
However, Watford's coach, Pearson, has reinforced their resolve, making them a lot harder to defeat.
Fans were afraid that Ancelotti's men would give an extra powerless attacking performance, like the one they displayed at West Ham during their last away game. But Ancelotti and his team have secured a crucial three points. As of now, they rank 9th in the Premier League.
Since Iwobi announced his return in an injury update on Instagram, Everton fans knew something great was coming up. The Nigerian international has integrated the Toffees' squad for their match with Watford, and Ancelotti didn't regret it: “I was eager to be back, particularly with a new coach. I was craving to prove to him what I could do,” Iwobi said.
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Ancelotti affirmed that he wants his productive players to possess the ball and operate on the front foot. This is, actually, a piece of good news for players like Iwobi, who shines in possession.
Due to Iwobi’s strength in possession, conforming to the ancient Napoli manager’s philosophy shouldn’t be tough, but moving in-form Bernard may be a difficulty.
While his versatility makes him able to play on both sides, Iwobi does great on the left flank currently controlled by the Brazilian. The continuous nature of his passing also accommodates what Ancelotti desires to score for their next matches.
Since a 3-4-1-2 has been deployed in a couple of games following the change of management, the default configuration has been a renewed version of what ‘Big Dunc’ deployed during his three games in charge.
Having the possession, the widemen tend to tuck in and get between the lines, which will profit Iwobi, due to his effectiveness in those sides, as opposed to being an old-school hug-the-touchline wing.
According to Iwobi, his Everton teammates may have had a huge time ahead of him, but unarguably, the playmaker’s skill set, effort, and strength in possession make him more likely to be a backbone in Ancelotti’s XI.
Everton certainly have brighter days ahead thanks to their in-form players. And, ultimately, the Toffees' fans will be smiling again.