Pundit backs Iwobi to be handed Everton No. 10 role ahead of 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner

Published: August 14, 2021

Football pundit Josh Williams has predicted that Alex Iwobi will be given Everton's number 10 role ahead of former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez in the new season.

Right from his days at the Arsenal Academy, Iwobi sees himself as an attacking midfielder more than a left winger he has often been deployed as by managers Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery, Marco Silva and Carlo Ancelotti.

The Hale End Academy graduate is now the Super Eagles chief playmaker following the international retirement of Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel in 2019.

Iwobi showed the other side of his game last season, impressing as a wing-back in some matches.

The future of 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner, James is up in the air following the departure of the coach that brought him to the Toffees, Carlo Ancelotti.

Williams said on Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast via thisisfutbol: "In the 10 role, I think if James stays, I can’t see him playing there that often, I’ll be honest.

"The situation has to be so favourable for Benitez to field a player like that. So I think more often than not, in that 10 role, I think you might see Iwobi a little bit more than James Rodriguez."

James will play no part against Southampton this afternoon as the Colombian is one of the Everton players in isolation due to COVID-19 protocols.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : evertonfc.com

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