Everton finds it challenging to retain Iwobi amidst difficulties
As the transfer market gains momentum, the performance statistics of Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi from the previous season continue to highlight why the club may face difficulties in retaining him this summer.
Amidst Everton's concerning finish to the season, Iwobi stood out as one of the few players who performed admirably.
On the final day of the campaign, the Toffees narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship after enduring a challenging journey under the management of both Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche.
Although Dyche brought some stability towards the end of the season, significant improvements are still needed for Everton to have better fortunes in the future, and retaining Iwobi will play a vital role in achieving that.
Iwobi demonstrated remarkable consistency by participating in all 38 Premier League matches during the previous season. In the process, he contributed two goals and eight assists, placing him among the top performers in terms of distance covered in the league.
According to the official Premier League website, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse holds the first position, covering a distance of 433.38km. Pascal Gross from Brighton follows closely behind with a distance of 418.88km.
In the ranking of distance covered during the season, West Ham standout Declan Rice occupies the third position with a total of 412.95km. Following closely behind as the Hammers' captain is Everton's Iwobi, who covered a distance of 405.77km throughout the season.
Being crowned the club's best player of the 2022/23 season, the 27-year-old has firmly established himself as Everton's most consistent player over the past two seasons. However, with his contract set to expire in June 2024, he has become a subject of transfer speculations. Additionally, his decision to delay renewing his contract with the Merseyside club stems from their uncertain Premier League status.
During a conversation with our correspondent at the Super Eagles training in Lagos for their 2023 AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone, Iwobi emphasized his desire to once again compete in Europe's top football competition, recalling his previous experience playing at that level with Arsenal.
"Undoubtedly, everyone aspires to play in the world's premier competition, especially since I have previously participated in it. I would like to set my sights on reaching that stage again. As for my next season's destination, we will have to wait and see," he stated.
During the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons, Iwobi made a total of nine appearances in the Champions League for Arsenal, scoring a goal. His sole goal in the competition occurred during Arsenal's 4-1 victory against FC Basel in 2016.
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