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da blaze casino： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Everton’s decision to sign Alex Iwobi may have been the wrong move for the club to have made in the transfer window this summer, and instead Marco Silva should have opted for a more natural winger.
The former Arsenal man has started life as a Toffees player reasonably well with two goals in five games, and he has added energy on and off the ball which is key to the press, as seen through Richarlison’s first goal against Wolves.
However, like Bernard, he is a player who likes to cut in from the left and that means Everton’s width reduces and they become easier to contain for the opposition.
The Nigeria international admitted to Goal himself that he likes to operate through the middle having played there when he grew up, but with Gylfi Sigurdsson occupying that position and Richarlison often making runs into the box, Silva’s side can become too narrow and too easy to predict.
“Growing up I’ve been playing as an attacking midfielder, more central in the midfield. I wouldn’t say if I’m most comfortable there but that’s where I grew up playing.
“I’ve always seen myself as a midfielder but wherever I’m being told to play in the middle or somewhere, I will always give my best.”
Instead, Silva should have opted for an out-and-out winger who can hug the touchline, as other than Theo Walcott the Toffees lack a player who can attack the byline and get a cross in, and instead have to rely on their full-backs to provide crosses, as the Sheffield United match showed.
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In that match against the Blades, Everton managed just seven successful crosses out of the 40 they attempted, which is concerning given the fact that three of their five Premier League goals have come from headers.
Silva failed to add variety to the midfield and as a result his left-sided options – Iwobi and Bernard – are too similar. Both are good with the ball at their feet, with 1.5 and 1.7 successful dribbles per game this season, but lacking when it comes to productivity in the final third.