Everton open new contract talks with rejuvenated Alex Iwobi

Everton have reportedly opened talks with Nigeria international Alex Iwobi over a new contract.

The Toffees are keen to tie down the 26-year-old, who seems like a rejuvenated player and has grown to become an integral part of the squad under Frank Lampard.

Iwobi is under contract until 2024 but Everton are looking to secure his future at Goodison Park following a dramatic rise in his importance over the past six months.

Despite being used in an unfamiliar central midfield role, Iwobi has been one of Everton’s brightest sparks of the opening seven games of the Premier League season.

The Nigerian has two assists in the league this season with one coming from the pivotal 1-0 home win against West Ham which handed them their first win of the season during the weekend.

Iwobi has admitted that his improved performance was largely down to the manager who has invested a lot of belief in his abilities as a player.

Speaking to the media in Washington DC, during the club’s pre-season tour of the US this summer, Iwobi said: “I feel like ever since the new manager [Lampard] came in and I came back from the Africa Cup of Nations it was almost like a new challenge and a new start.

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“When I came into training I felt I was capable. I was hungry to get myself back into the team and the gaffer appreciated that. Luckily he had that faith and belief in me and I was able to do what he wanted me to do and able to help the team get results. It was good for me when he came in, it has been helpful for my career.”

In the win against West Ham, the midfielder reiterated his appreciation to his manager who has given him the confidence to play better despite his poor start to life at the club.

“I didn’t get off to a great start [at Everton]. I always have the mindset to prove people wrong. The manager has given me faith to do so, and he allows me to express myself like I do in training, and I have been able to do that in matches to repay the faith.

“Ever since I came through as an [Arsenal] academy player I have always liked to move the ball forward on a half turn. Now I’m taking the full turn and trying to get up the pitch.”

Iwobi was amongst the players selected to represent Nigeria in the friendly against Algeria on the 27th of September.

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