Alex Iwobi made the most of featuring in his favourite position during Fulham’s draw at Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday – and has pledged to repay Marco Silva’s faith at Craven Cottage this season.
The Nigerian international had an influential role as the Whites fought back from a goal down to claim an important point at the AMEX Stadium – seizing on a loose ball from Pascal Gross and tormenting the home defence before helping to set up Joao Palhinha’s stunning equaliser. The former Arsenal and Everton midfielder told the Evening Standard that he was pleased to be handed the chance to impress in the number ten role by Silva:
“I do enjoy playing in the middle. I feel like I get the ball a lot more. I like to influence the game as much as I can for the team. It was an alright performance. I feel I could have a bit better, but the main thing is that we were able to get a point at a difficult stadium.
The second half was a much better performance – we came at them a bit more. It was a well-deserved point. We did expect them to have a lot more of the ball. They are very good with the ball and a possession-based side. But maybe our attitude in the second better was better, compared to the first.”
Iwobi again referenced the confidence that Silva, who has now signed him for two different English sides, has given him and reaffirmed his commitment to deliver for the Fulham boss, who put pen to paper on a new three-year contract last week.
“I did speak with him and he has a lot of faith in me. For a player to have that trust and confidence from the manager allows you to go out and express yourself and play with freedom. I just need to repay the faith. I have to give credit to Fulham. They were very welcoming with me and I’m enjoying my time here. We just need to climb the table and get results like we did today.”
What little I saw of his performance at Brighton I thought was very good and he improves with each appearance. Think he will be a very positive part of the team this season.