Harry Watkinson
The stats behind Alex Iwobi’s incredible start to the season
Since joining Everton in 2019, Alex Iwobi has faced a lot of criticism from his own supporters for failing to live up to his £28 million price tag. However, after moving into a central midfield role under Frank Lampard, he has enjoyed a truly remarkable transformation.
This article breaks down Iwobi’s stats from this season, which show that he is currently one of the best-performing central midfielders in the Premier League.
In form like this, Alex Iwobi could arguably get into any team in Europe.
Defensive solidity
Alex Iwobi has been key to Everton’s gradual progress under Frank Lampard. He has been a consistent performer, thriving in his new midfield role. He has the versatility to play as a defensive, central, and attacking midfielder, and the attributes to succeed in all three positions.
His defensive work off the ball is often overlooked, but with him being a constant feature in an Everton side that currently has the fourth-best defence in the Premier League (starting their last 23 league games), Iwobi’s ability to cover a LOT of ground has been key to their solidity. He is regarded by his teammates and Frank Lampard as the fittest player in the squad.
So far this season, the Nigeria international has averaged 1.8 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per match for the Toffees. For someone who has played the majority of his Everton career as a winger, his transformation into a defensive asset in midfield has been nothing short of remarkable.
Playing alongside the experienced Idrissa Gana Gueye and the exciting prospect Amadou Onana in a midfield three, Everton arguably has one of the best midifelds outside the ‘big six.’
Played: 13
Tackles per 90: 1.8
Interceptions per 90: 0.8
Clearances per 90: 1.2
Clean sheets: 3
One of the best playmakers in the Premier League this season
Where Iwobi has really shone though is in his ability to create chances for his team. Currently, Only Kevin de Bruyne (21) has created more chances for his team from open play than Alex Iwobi (20) this season, showing how high-level Iwobi’s performances are.
With a pass success rate of 85.2%, Iwobi rarely gives away possession and when he does it’s usually because he has attempted to play an ambitious pass in behind the opposition’s defence. Overall, he has averaged 1.8 successful long balls and 1.8 key passes this season, again putting him in the top 15% of the individual player rankings for these statistics.
In total, Alex Iwobi has made five assists in the Premier League this season, putting him in joint second for assists alongside Bernardo Silva, behind only Kevin de Bruyne, who is arguably the best midfielder in Europe.
Most recently, Iwobi picked up two assists in Everton’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace. He won the man of the match award for the fourth time already this season, showing how important he is to Frank Lampard’s team. His first was an effective quick ball into Dominic Calvert-Lewin, before DCL overpowered Marc Guehi and slotted confidently. Iwobi’s second assist was a simply brilliant drag back, to set up an easy finish for a fine Dwight McNeil goal.
Once again, Iwobi was key to one of the best Everton performances in recent seasons.
Pass accuracy: 85.2%
Long balls per 90: 1.8
Key passes per 90: 1.8
Crosses per 90: 0.3
Assists: 5
Flair and excitement in attack
Beyond his assists and creativity, Iwobi also has the ability to run with the ball. As well as being the fittest Everton player, he is also regarded as the most skilful, and often uses tricks and flicks to get out of tight situations. This season, the 26-year-old has averaged 0.9 successful dribbles per game for the Toffees and seems to always get the Goodison faithful off their seats when driving forward with the ball.
The Nigerian also isn’t afraid to shoot either, averaging 0.8 shots on target per match so far. He has only scored one goal, a brilliant finish against Manchester United a couple of weeks ago, but if he continues shooting at his current rate, you can expect Iwobi to get a few more goals this season.
As mentioned, Iwobi’s ability to create chances so far this season is rivalled only by the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. Combining his five assists and his one goal so far, Iwobi has averaged 0.46 goal involvements per game this season and has directly contributed to 55% of Everton’s goals, again showing how important he is to the Toffees.
He is rightly now a fan favourite at Goodison Park and Evertonians will be hoping that the 26-year-old can keep up his excellent form and remain at the club for years to come. It will be interesting to see if any ‘big’ European clubs come in for him in January, as if he continues playing the way he has been doing, he could arguably get into any team in the world, barring perhaps Manchester City.
Successful dribbles per 90: 0.9
Shots per game: 0.8
Goals: 1
Goal contributions per game: 0.46
Everton goal participation: 55%
