Ex-Leicester winger lauds Iwobi as Fulham boss explains why Super Eagles star was subbed early

Former Foxes winger Marc Albrighton lauded Alex Iwobi for his first half performance during Fulham's 2-0 win over Leicester City in a Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening. 

After their nine-match unbeaten run ended on Tuesday with defeat to West Ham United, the Cottagers returned to winning ways thanks to goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traoré.

Fulham boss Marco Silva made a strange substitution at half-time, with Alex Iwobi, one of the standout players in the opening forty five minutes making may for Traoré.

Iwobi combined effectively with Antonee Robinson and Smith Rowe, which made the substitution all the more puzzling.

Albrighton, who was on commentary duties for the Premier League world feed, suggested that he was replaced due to fitness issues. 

"The change is because of an injury or a knock. Alex Iwobi, I think he was brilliant in this first half," Albrighton, a Premier League winner with Leicester City in 2015-2016, stated.

"Like I said the linkup between him, Smith Rowe and Robinson down this left-hand side was definitely where their best opportunities were being created, so I do think it has to be an injury. "

Speaking to reporters at the post-match press conference, Fulham coach Silva confirmed that Iwobi was brought off at half-time because he had been ill, even though the Super Eagles star was passed fit to start before the game.

"Nothing with his performance. He had a difficult twenty-four hours, he had a bit of a flu last night. In the morning we assessed him, he was okay to play.

"We always had a doubt if he's going to be able to play the whole game and at half-time, he was not feeling so, so well and we decided to change him."

Iwobi has started all the games played by Fulham in this season's Premier League, registering ten goal involvements (7 goals, 3 assists), his best in a single season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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