Scoring goals is most times the best way to make the fans forgive and forget your patchy form, but for Alex Iwobi, hard work, dedication and commitment was his way of winning back the hearts of the Everton faithful.
Iwobi put up series of incredible performances in the last few months of the 2021/22 season to help Everton escape relegation and become not just one of the most important players at the club but also the most loved and appreciated by the fans.
It wasn’t all rosy for the Nigeria international though, following a poor start to the season under Rafael Benitez, where he was often criticised for the Toffees poor display, with fans angry he was not giving enough.
One of Iwobi’s most difficult moments was in February, when the 26-year-old Super Eagles forward came under fire for his display in the Toffees 13th defeat of the season at Southampton, leaving many an Evertonian furious with his performance.
Tried hard as he could to please the fans, inconsistency was one of Iwobi’s major problems earlier in the just-concluded season.
That was why after an impressive outing in the 3-0 win over fellow relegation-battlers Leeds United at Goodison Park, the former Arsenal player was handed a starting role by manager Frank Lampard against the Southampton.
But he failed to replicate same form against Leeds versus the Saints, who scored two second-half goals courtesy Stuart Armstrong and Shane Long to inflict more misery on Everton.
Angry fans questioned why the club paid €40m to sign him from Arsenal.
“At the time it was a bizarre decision from Everton to sign Iwobi for such a hefty transfer fee given that his best-attacking return in a single season was three goals and six assists for Arsenal and now, given his dire performances in front of goal at Goodison Park it appears to be yet another huge waste of money by the club,” Sporting outlet, thisisfutbal wrote in October 2021.
Despite the criticism, Lampard, who replaced Benitez last January, kept faith in the Nigerian until the player was able to turn his fortunes around and become one of the most important players in the squad.
For a player who was sparingly used, Iwobi played the last 12 matches of the season, starting all games and playing in different positions.
He was played in his natural position as a playmaker where he excelled before being tried out at the right-back position.
Iwobi stunned his critics with his new level of energy and commitment, tracking back every ball like a man who was “possessed.”
He also put on a great performance when he played as right-back against Chelsea, as he pegged back the Blues threat from the flanks as Everton squeezed out a win over the former champions to keep the Toffees blue flame still burning, thanks also largely to the impressive Jordan Pickford who was a rock in goal.
Scoring just two goals all season for an attack-minded player isn’t what Iwobi would have wished for but his effort against Newcastle, which earned 10-man Everton a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Goodison Park in March, was one of the highpoints of his remarkable end to the season and probably the most important goal of his career.
After helping Lampard’s side secure safety following the 3-2 comeback win against Crystal Palace that sent the near heartbroken Toffees fans into delirium and hysteric celebrations, appreciative supporters celebrated the Nigerian with a big banner with the inscription “Iwobi Wan Kenobi.”
Others swarmed social media to praise the villain turned hero.
Kyle Jones, who has often been a critic of the Nigerian, was quick to praise him for his fantastic display.
“Credit where credits due lad, happy to admit I was wrong,” he wrote on Twitter.
“You’ve been immense recently and a great shift from you and the lads today…. Now keep it going for 5 more games.”
Scott Bayley added, “In fairness mate, I’ve been a critic of you in the past but in the last two months you’ve been excellent. Today (Sunday), you were superb again. Well done mate.”
“Well done Alex lad that’s all we ask of our player. Pride, passion and fight, you guy’s did it to a man today. Let’s keep going now,” Alan Wynne wrote on Twitter.
A Toffee fan with the username craigwalsh28 apologised to Iwobi for past remarks about the utility player.
“I want to apologise to you Alex, I didn’t think you was an Everton player but your work rate and commitment cannot be faulted, and admit I’ve been wrong in the past.”
IK George wrote, “Lampard really understands loyalty, handwork, and dedication. He came in, saw all that in you and never looked back. In return, you’ve proven that you’re versatile and quality. You stopped one of Chelsea’s impact players from doing anything good.”
A Twitter user with the name Specialist said, “You silenced critic’s, its a hard fight but hopefully you’ll pull through. Always give your best… I’m a big fan.”
Joining in the praise of Iwobi is Didcot Skelly, who looks impressed with the Nigerian’s recent form.
“It’s pleasing to see you being tested with the respect you deserve, and you looking physically and mentally strong on the pitch, performing like the true pro you are.”
Destiny simply wrote, “Your energy is so contagious. The way you maintain such high energy in every game needs to be studied in Havard. Well done Alex. I hope Everton survive. See you in the EPL next season.”
Barnes tweeted, “What a turnaround from Iwobi la, unbelievable performance again.”
After months of nerve-breaking season filled with tension, extreme criticism, Iwobi can finally breathe a sigh of relief with the player admitting he was happy to end a season he described as “mentally challenging.”
“The most mentally challenging season of my career so far is over and I’m proud to have come out of the other side stronger, sharper and hungrier than ever!” Iwobi wrote on Twitter.
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