Ian Wright, a former striker for Arsenal, has heaped admiration on Nigerian player Alex Iwobi for reviving his career at Everton despite harsh criticism.
Iwobi has emerged as a vital player for Everton and one of the Premier League's most dynamic playmakers, as Wright has witnessed.
Iwobi has changed roles under Frank Lampard, moving from winger to wing-back to deep-lying midfielder, where he has won over even his harshest detractors.
Iwobi's work ethic, talent, and vision have been noted by Wright, and the Gunners' second-highest scorer of all time thinks manager Mikel Arteta would value having Iwobi in the current Arsenal midfield.
Before leaving for Everton in 2019 for €30 million, Iwobi went through the Arsenal football system and made 149 appearances for the senior club.
What is the illustrious Ian Wright saying?
The hardworking Super Eagles star could return to Arsenal, according to Wright.
I'm very happy with how it's going for him, the Englishman said on the Wrighty's House podcast.
“I remember Arsenal fans; it’s the same thing they did with (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain; they ridiculed him.
“I remember watching him play in midfield early days for Arsenal at West Ham, and you’re seeing something.
“His ball progression and work rate, what Frank has now recognised him and put him there, listen to the Everton fans when he’s doing his work, they are adoring him now. I’m loving the way it’s working out for Iwobi.
“I’m just talking about somebody who’s making a massive difference to what Everton need – the work rate, his ball progression, his passing, everything.
“He’s the pass before the assist, people don’t realise it. Everton fans are now starting to realise that if they get the right players in and around him, he’s going to be a force for them.
“You look at his work rate, it’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of intensity that Mikel wants now and needs now, we need that, we need somebody who can press like that.”
Two of football's renowned names have praised Iwobi's performances this year: former Super Eagles footballer and head coach Sunday Oliseh and Everton manager and Chelsea icon Frank Lampard.