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Alex Iwobi

Picture of Alex Iwobi
  • Born: 03/05/1996

  • Birthplace: Lagos

  • Nationality: Nigerian

At Everton between 2019 - 2023


On 8th August 2019, Everton signed Alex Iwobi from Premier League rivals Arsenal, on a 5 year deal.

Alex was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to England at the age of 4, growing up in Newham, London, and is the nephew of former player Jay-Jay Okocha.

He joined the Arsenal academy as a schoolboy in 2004, and in 2013, he made his debut in a last 16 match against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup. 4 days later, he made his Premier League debut as a late substitute against Swansea City.

His first start for Arsenal came in the 2015-16 season, in a 3rd round FA Cup match against Sunderland, and on 19th March 2016, he enjoyed his first Premier League starting place, scoring in the 42nd minute against Everton in a 2-0 away win at Goodison Park.

Iwobi went on to feature throughout Arsenal's victorious FA Cup campaign of 2016–17, earning his first winners medal after Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in the final.

He originally played for England as a youth international, winning the the Victory Shield in 2011, and then made his senior debut for Nigeria on 8 October 2015, in a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo.

On 7 October 2017, Iwobi scored for Nigeria in a 1–0 win over Zambia to secure the Super Eagles a spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

In 2018-19, Alex made 22 Premier League starts during Unai Emery’s first year in charge as Arsenal manager, operating primarily on the left wing, and finished the season with 10 'big chances created' and recorded eight assists in all competitions.

Iwobi brings with him good pace, and an ability to run down the line, and can beat defenders in one v one situations out wide with quick changes of direction and ball manipulation. He has good vision, in terms of being able to pick out team mates in the opponent's box, and a very good crosser of the ball.

He's not limited to the left wing though, and has often featured more centrally in the number 10 position at international level, and briefly at Arsenal, and stated "Growing up, I've been playing as an attacking midfielder, more central in the midfield. I'm not saying that is where I'm most comfortable, but it is where I played growing up".

When Arsene Wenger was asked to describe Iwobe, he replied "Alex is always connecting quickly with other players, at a very high level and very high pace. Football is deception, decision making, and acting. The perception he has of the game particularly struck me, and the speed of his decision making."

Iwobi also has good strength, being able to hold off defenders, and the ability to cope in central areas. He also contributes significantly in defence, often making energetic recovery runs, and will press the opposition during their build up play. Improved composure in front of goal saw him strike 6 times in all competitions during the 2018-19 season under Emery, and again in an African Cup of Nations victory over Cameroon.

On 1st September 2023, Alex joined Fulham on a permanent transfer.


Picture of Alex Iwobi

Picture of Alex Iwobi

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