Gareth Barry asked if Alex Iwobi has future as Everton’s right-back

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Gareth Barry has admitted to BT Sport (broadcast on 5/12 from 11:30) that he does not see Alex Iwobi having a long-term future as Everton’s right-back after his impressive performance at Burnley this weekend.

Iwobi has been more recently featuring in the two wing-back roles for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. He played on the right against both the Clarets and Fulham. Meanwhile, he was on the left against Leeds.

The former Arsenal man has come in for criticism during his spell at Goodison Park. But he has arguably done a very good job in the more defensive positions.

Barry initially suggested that Iwobi did extremely well in the draw at Turf Moor. However, he expressed a concern about the idea of him playing there more regularly in the future.

“No I don’t think so,” he told BT Sport, when asked whether he has a future in that role.

“I thought his best play was going forward. He put a couple of good crosses in. There were a couple of crosses he could’ve done better. But he won’t want to play at full-back. There’s players in the dressing room who could probably do that job a bit better.”

This current run may give Iwobi with a boost of confidence. And Ancelotti may take encouragement from how well the Nigeria international has adapted. He is certainly a player he can turn to if he needs someone to fill-in in either wing-back role.

Iwobi – who earns £50,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – has not had the easiest time since moving to Merseyside. And he will surely welcome taking on a prominent role wherever he is situated on the pitch.