Former Sporting CP manager Marco Silva has heaped praises on Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, following his stellar performances for Fulham in the ongoing Premier League campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.
Silva, now Iwobi’s manager at Fulham, commended the Nigerian star’s versatility and importance in the team since he joined him at the Craven Cottage.
Speaking after Fulham’s recent 1-1 draw against their London rivals, Arsenal, where Iwobi continued to deliver a standout performance, Silva reveals Iwobi’s ability to play more than one role, sending a message to Augustine Eguavoen, who is currently the interim head coach of the Super Eagles.
“Firstly, he’s a really important player for me because he’s really versatile. He can play in many different positions. I can move him in one football match without making many changes. Last night [against Brighton] was a good example, he played in three different positions,” Silva said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
Silva also admired Iwobi’s growing influence in attack, noting his improvement in decision-making, particularly in terms of goals and assists.
“He’s adding something to his game and he’s improving in the attack. The decisions in terms of assists and goals, he’s adding really in a very good way for his game, and we are delighted for it.”
The Portuguese tactician reflected on Iwobi’s impressive season, pointing to the early signs during pre-season that hinted at his evolution as a player.
“What an incredible season it’s been for him. To be honest, it doesn’t surprise me. We felt as a staff, Alex had the same feeling for sure and his teammates too. The way he started the season, the pre-season matches, the way the first Premier League matches [went], you start to feel, ‘Ok, he’s going to be even better than the season before.’
“We are going to have Alex with all the talent that he has inside himself, the potential that he has inside himself, he’s going to put everything outside this season,” Silva added.
With Iwobi’s impressive form for Fulham, Iwobi is poised to be a key player for Nigeria in any of their upcoming fixtures.