Former Liverpool star wowed by Alex Iwobi’s display vs Fleetwood

Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi earned praise from BBC Sport pundit and ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock for his role in the Toffees’ opener against Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup second round.

The 26-year-old was initially earmarked to return to the wing in Tuesday night’s encounter at Highbury Stadium.

However, Tom Davies’ pre-match injury meant Iwobi moved back into the central midfield role he’s been impressing in so far this term.

And Iwobi played a significant part in Everton’s opener – and eventual winner – against the League One side.

He set up Demarai Gray – a late addition to the XI – to break the deadlock with a clinical finish.

And Warnock, speaking on Radio 5 Live, liked what he saw from both Gray and Iwobi.

“I said before about playing out from the back and the first time that Fleetwood try it, they get caught,” he said

“They play a lazy ball into midfield and Dwight McNeil pinches it. He plays it into Iwobi, who shows lovely quick feet to dance away from a couple of challenges.

“Iwobi looks to get the shot away with his left foot. But then plays a lovely disguised pass into Demarai Gray, who takes a little touch and then produces a clinical finish into the far corner.”

Iwobi made four key passes in the game and eight accurate long balls. He bagged an assist, his third in 21 appearances in the competition and also created one big chance.

The Nigerian also completed three dribbles and made three successful tackles.

Iwobi has been one of the most-improved players for Everton over the past few months.

The £100,000-a-week ace is playing with confidence in his new central midfield role. He’s arguably one of the Toffees’ best players now.

Up next for Everton is Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford.