Everton winger Alex Iwobi was likened to Brazilian legend Maicon by former Arsenal teammate Alexander Lacazette on Instagram.
The Nigeria international earned that high praise after being deployed out of position in the right wing-back role by Carlo Ancelotti in the Blues’ 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday.
Despite being in a unusual position for the naturally offensive winger, Iwobi completed six take-ons – more than any other player on the pitch – and finished the game with two interceptions, two tackles and two clearances, made nine recoveries and had a passing accuracy of 88%.
All Nigeria Soccer validated the unusualness of Iwobi’s deployment, although he is no stranger to being used in a variety of ways under Carlo Ancelotti. It was the fourth different position in which Iwobi has featured since his move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2019 having previously played as a left winger, right winger and attacking midfielder.
Iwobi commented on Instagram over the win, touching upon his new-found role. “RWB 
+3 We Mooove”, read the caption of a post, to which Lacazette responded with “Maicon 
“.
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It may be a little too early for Iwobi to be genuinely compared to Maicon, a 73-time Brazil international who boasts European giants AS Roma, Manchester City, Inter Milan and Monaco among his former clubs.
Despite the early praise, Iwobi will need to work hard to adapt to his new position, even if the initial signs are promising. If he can pull it off, Everton may have secured a way to get the best out of the Nigerian.
