Alex Iwobi wants to use his “best period with Everton” as a springboard to create “more positive memories with the Club”.
The revitalised Iwobi is emerging as a prominent figure for Frank Lampard in the Club’s battle to preserve its 68-year top-flight status.
He stole the headlines on a rousing Goodison Park night last month, striking deep into stoppage time for 10-man Everton to defeat Newcastle United.
But it was over the ensuing six weeks that Iwobi cemented a place in manager Lampard’s team – and the affections of supporters.
Iwobi, an August 2019 signing from Arsenal, played the past five matches in an advanced midfield position, running his socks off for the collective cause and knitting together attacks with his accomplished ball-carrying and progressive distribution.
The player, who turns 26 next week, spoke exclusively to Everton’s matchday programme for Sunday’s home encounter with Chelsea.
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And it was to a previous Goodison fixture – the victory over Manchester United three weeks ago – that Iwobi turned to illustrate a steadily-changing standing at the Club.
“I was doing all right but then played a sloppy pass,” said Iwobi, who covered more distance (11.6km) than any other player in the game, in addition to completing a match-high 26 sprints.
“The fans clapped the pass because they saw the intent. It was the first time that had happened for ages.
“To hear that change in environment, I felt, ‘Wow, that is kind of nice – as long as you are giving 100 per cent, if it doesn’t come off, they will stay behind you’.
“That support removes the fear of making mistakes, you are prepared to try things on the ball.
“I feel much more confident. My friends tell me about the positive comments and the fans singing my name, and my dad is always looking on social media to make sure everything is good.
“Previously, my friends would be in the car home from games talking about hearing different things.
“But I’ve had a run in the team and feel I can influence the game a lot more, especially in this position.
“My main concern is what I’m doing for my teammates and the manager and staff.
“’Am I working hard for them? Are they happy with what I’m giving?’
“But, of course, it is nice to hear about the praise.”
The meeting with Chelsea ushers in three of the most important weeks in Everton’s 144-year history.
Manager Lampard’s side are 18th in the Premier League standings, two points behind Burnley but with a game in hand over the 17th-placed Clarets.
Everton have further home matches against Brentford and Crystal Palace following visits to Leicester City and Watford.
They finish at Arsenal on 22 May.
The imperative of Everton’s situation dictates that Iwobi is fixing both eyes on the short term. There is an acknowledgement, though, that attaining the immediate objective feeds into more far-reaching goals.
“My first couple of years here weren’t the greatest but this is my best period at Everton,” said Iwobi.
“I want to use it as a platform to kick on and make more positive memories with this club.
“I want to win something with Everton – and do my best for the Club.
“But my focus now is on these six ‘cup finals’, then we can think about next season.
“Our problem has been a lack of consistency and, more recently, little mistakes have cost us.
“But the fans have been excellent and if we continue giving everything, especially the way we feel at Goodison, we will pick up the points we need.
“There is a lot of belief in the squad, we are ready to fight.
“Even the players not playing, their mentality has been professional and elite.
“It is a proper family right now and that is helping us push through games.
“We have to fight every day. Not just for ourselves, but for our families and the fans.
“We will keep going, just stick with us.”
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