Alex Iwobi: I’ve experienced love and hate from fans

Since arriving at Craven Cottage in September, the Nigerian Fulham star has raked up interesting statistics. Last week the Super Eagles midfielder shone like a million stars when Fulham hammered West Ham. Iwobi played a key role in Fulham’s 5-0 demolition of West Ham United, helping Marco Silva’s side to their second five-goal victory in five days.

Iwobi, who didn’t score on the day, provided an assist for one of the goals at Craven Cottage.

The win was Fulham’s fourth consecutive league game with 3+ goals, the first time they’ve achieved this feat in 62 years.

Raul Jimenez continued his impressive return to form, scoring the opening goal with a header from Joao Palhinha’s cross. The Mexican forward, who suffered a life-threatening skull fracture three years ago, has now scored four goals in his last five league games.

Fulham were in complete control by half-time, with Willian adding a second before Tosin Adarabioyo headed in the third from a corner.

Substitute Harry Wilson scored a stunning left-footed curler from the edge of the penalty area before Carlos Vinicius sealed the win late on after being teed up by Wilson.

The victory lifted Fulham into the top half of the table, three points behind ninth-placed West Ham.

Penultimate Wednesday, Fulham had produced a stunning performance to dispatch Nottingham Forest 5-0 with two goals from the creative midfielder.

Iwobi and Raúl Jiménez put Fulham in control of proceedings with two first-half goals before a gorgeous Raúl back heel made it three, and Iwobi claimed a brace with a composed finish.

And there was still time for Captain Tom Cairney to cap his 299th appearance for the Whites with number five, which he celebrated in style with his adoring public behind the goal.

MAN OF THE MATCH

A sign of good things to come was experienced back in September when Iwobi played his full debut match for Fulham.

He scored a goal and made an assist in the 2-1 win over Norwich City and was handsomely rewarded with the Man of the Match.

After the game, 47.5% of supporters opted for Iwobi as their standout performer. Fodé Ballo-Touré impressed on his first appearance at left-back, duly coming in second with 13.7%, ahead of Marek Rodák who claimed 11.9%.

FPL POINTS FOR IWOBI

Iwobi further got the attention of Fantasy Premier League as he racked up valuable points to become one of Fulham’s big assets.

The Nigerian was the third player to get into double figures against Forest, with his tally of 14 the best he’s ever registered in Fantasy.

His two goals were the first time he had ever scored a brace in the top flight, and while he was only allocated one bonus point, he did claim an extra point courtesy of Fulham’s clean sheet.

Iwobi has been a valuable FPL asset over the years, with 679 points to his name since his debut for Arsenal back in 2015.

Now, Iwobi is enjoying fans and EPL ratings. Fans love and root for him. He said it hasn’t always been like that. He has seen the other side of life also.

“When you’re coming onto the scene and doing well, you see fans on social media and in the comments, and you want to see people hyping you up, I’ve also had the hate—that you’re not good enough. When I moved to Everton, there was a high fee (around €40 million or $42 million).

Everyone said he costs so much and hasn’t done much. His value is way too high. I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen both sides. Now, I’m at an age where I don’t look at it anymore.

“At the same time, you want your fans to know what you’re like personally. And at the end of the day, I’m human—just like my fans. I post a bit (on social networks) to show I’m just a normal person.”

Relaxed and thoughtful in manner, he is. When statistics enter the frame, Iwobi—who joined Arsenal’s ranks aged eight—isn’t.

Of those who enter soccer academies aged nine in England and Wales, 99% don’t become professionals, according to The Professional Footballers’ Association, leaving some stranded and needing support. Fellow player Trent Alexander-Arnold is addressing the issue.

OF SAUDI LEAGUE

So long the pinnacle, top players and leagues across Europe are also coming to terms with the Saudi Arabian soccer boom in top-level soccer, having seen dozens of stars leave the continent for cash-rich teams in the Gulf state over the summer.

From the inside looking out, the change has been equally significant, not least in West London; had star striker Aleksandr not departed for Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal, he would have been one of Iwobi’s teammates.

“There’s much more money,” Iwobi remarks. “I mean, there are more countries involved in the sport. With Saudi Arabia, if you wanted to go there before, it would be like, ‘What are you going there for?’ But many professionals are going there, so the league is probably getting more competitive now.”

What he does know is the difference soccer makes to lives. Learning his trade in the capital, Iwobi played with people from various ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. Through his charity, Project 17, Iwobi aims to integrate individuals—such as those in minority groups—into society through sport. In many ways, it reflects his attitudes and sense of identity.

“I’ve realized that it’s powerful and brings communities together,” he muses out loud. “Growing up, I didn’t have many people coming to my area to organize matches. If they did, I’m sure everyone would have attended—the same as they did for me. I want them to know I’m the same as them,” added Iwobi.