BBC pundit praises ‘magnificent’ Everton star for tireless performance v Manchester United

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BBC pundit Ian Wright praised Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi for his “magnificent” work rate against Manchester United.

The Nigerian produced a tireless battling performance for Frank Lampard’s side which helped keep Ralf Rangnick’s Reds at bay at Goodison Park.

Anthony Gordon’s first-half strike proved the difference in the tense clash on Merseyside.

Former Arsenal striker Wright was full of praise for the former Gunner Iwobi who responded well to his error which cost Everton at West Ham last weekend.

Everton’s number 17 miscontrolled a pass last Sunday at the London Stadium which resulted in Jarrod Bowen scoring the winner for the Hammers.

Speaking on last night’s Match of the Day, Wright said: “He was magnificent and he’s somebody that no matter how he’s playing and yes he made a mistake against West Ham – he does not stop trying to get on the ball and being progressive.

“It was his work rate – it was fantastic. This is the type of performance that Everton fans want to see at home – putting in that work rate.

“He was hunting [the ball] down, he hasn’t stopped.”

In stats shown on last night’s MOTD, no player from either side covered more distance than the 25-year-old (11.5km) or more sprints (26).

Playing in the heart of Everton’s midfield for the third consecutive game, Iwobi’s energetic display helped lift the Goodison Park faithful when their team came under increasing pressure.

With eight Premier League games remaining, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Lampard use Iwobi in a central role for the remainder of the season to utilise his athleticism.