Premier League's opening weekend: Iroegbunam top tackler, most ball recoveries in the division

England youth international of Nigerian descent Tim Iroegbunam impressed on his competitive debut for Everton despite the Merseyside club suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove in their Premier League opener at Goodison Park on Saturday, August 17.

Two key statistics back up the claim that the summer signing from Aston Villa gave a good account of himself in ninety minutes of action in the loss to the Seagulls.

According to Football365, via Everton's official website, Iroegbunam made more tackles (nine) and more ball recoveries (13) than any player in the division.

The Anglo-Nigerian midfielder was the top tackler in the Premier League ahead of Alex Scott (8), Antonee Robinson (8), Abdul Fatawu Issahaka (6), Mateo Kovačić (6), Bruno Guimarães (6)and Brennan Johnson (6).

Iroegbunam registered four interceptions against Brighton & Hove, bettered only by Manchester United's England international Kobbie Mainoo and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Gabon international Mario Lemina, who both made five each.

Against Brighton, the Everton young star started and completed a Premier League game for the first time in his career, in what was his thirteenth game in the division. 

During his time at Aston Villa, Iroegbunam made only two starts but did not go the distance in both matches against Norwich City and Manchester City. 

Iroegbunam, who signed a three-year deal deal with Everton in the off season, has the ability to play as a holding midfielder or a box-to-box midfielder.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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