Alan Stubbs says 26-year-old Everton player has been an absolute ‘revelation’ this season

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton legend Alan Stubbs has described Alex Iwobi as a “revelation” following his switch to midfield.

The Goodison Park icon was speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside in wake of the Toffees’ poor start to the season.

Everton have lost two and drawn one of their opening three games, putting them 17th in the table.

However, Iwobi’s form has been one of the few real positives for the Toffees so far this term.

The 26-year-old, a winger for much of his career, has often split opinion during his time on Merseyside.

But now, Iwobi is one of the standout players at Everton, his fortunes changed by a switch in position.

Only Declan Rice (32) has managed more ball recoveries than Iwobi (30) this season among central midfielders (Squawka).

With the transfer window closing in less than a week, Everton are likely to be busy in the latter stages.

The Toffees are apparently in talks over Neal Maupay and Ben Brereton Diaz.

Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon has been heavily linked with a big-money move to Chelsea.

“The board need to up their game”

Stubbs believes the Blues need to sign at least two strikers to “lift” the fans.

However, he reckons Everton are “not far away” defensively, while Iwobi has really impressed in the middle.

“It’s all about building confidence,” Stubbs told BBC Radio Merseyside, as transcribed on the BBC Sport website.

“Forest were pretty average. A half-decent Everton could have won comfortably.

“It’s always difficult when you haven’t got a striker. They need to address that situation as soon as possible.

“It’s the fourth week since Calvert-Lewin was injured and still no one is in the door.

“Everton fans are rightly asking questions.

“The manager needs two strikers in at least, a playmaker, a number 10 to link it up.

“They have to have a really strong end to the window.

“I’d like a new striker to have Premier League experience because they need to hit the ground running.

“We can’t wait for someone to take a month or two to get up to speed.

“If you don’t get some momentum going, the Premier League takes no prisoners.

“They don’t want to be embroiled in the position they were last season.

“Defensively they’re not far away. In midfield Alex Iwobi has been a revelation. It’s just the forward areas.

“The fans need a lift. It was a bit flat on Saturday. The board need to up their game in the final days of the window.”